Foundation Paper Piecing Instructions

Introduction and Preparation

Follow our paper piecing instructions to create this adorable 3" finished Sawtooth Star quilt block.

Click here to download the Sawtooth Star (3" finished) PDF pattern in your browser, or right-click to download it and print.

In your printing options, be sure to set 'Page Scaling' to 'None' so that the block prints out at the correct size. As a quick double check, Piece A4 should measure 1-1/2" on the solid black line.

Sewing Machine Setup

When you paper piece, there are a couple of slight deviations from the standard sewing machine setup. All are related to making it easier to remove the paper in the final steps.

Open Toe Applique Foot

• Use a 90/14 needle to make a bigger hole. You can use an 80/12, but certainly nothing smaller.
• Set your stitch length to 15-18 stitches/inch or a 1.5 setting.
• Use a quality cotton thread in a neutral or matching color. The direction the seam allowances are pressed is determined by the piecing order. If you use too dark a thread it may shadow through. Test if you are unsure.
• Install an open toe applique foot so that nothing obstructs your view of the needle as you sew on the printed line.

If you have a speed control on your sewing machine, consider setting a speed slower. Sewing on directly on the line will give you precise results. Slow the stitching speed down a bit to ensure that you are in control.

You'll Need a Few Additional Supplies...

If you have already done some traditional piecing, you'll likely have these supplies on hand.

• Rotary cutter, small ruler and mat
• Pins - fine are best
• Scissors for trimming threads
• Pencil for marking placement lines

That's it! Our paper piecing instructions continue for...

Cutting Over-sized Patches

For this example, a light fabric is used for the background and a dark fabric for the star. To make the piecing easier, all the pieces are cut over-sized. Paper piecing is a trade-off between amount of fabric used versus accuracy of piecing.

From the dark fabric (our red above), cut:

• Four 2" squares, sub cut once on the diagonal
• One 2-1/2" square

From the light fabric (our shirting above), cut:

• Four 1-3/4" squares
• One 3-1/4" square, sub cut twice on the diagonal

Understanding Your Pattern

Our sawtooth star quilt block pattern is divided into four Sections: A, B, C and D. Each Section is divided into Pieces, as few as 3, to as many as 5.

For the purposes of these paper piecing instructions, when only a number is referenced, that refers to the same piece in all four sections. If a number AND a letter are used, it refers to a specific piece in a specific section. "Piece A1" refers to Piece 1 in Section A ONLY, whereas "Piece 1" refers to Piece 1 in every Section (A, B, C, and D).

Now, you are ready to move on to the first lesson of our paper piecing instructions. Click the 'Lesson 1' link below.

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