It seems that quilters either love or hate paper foundations! It is a way to sew very accurately pieced blocks, though, and once you get familiar with the technique it becomes easier with each piece. The thing to remember is that the fabric goes on the UNPRINTED side of the paper and you sew on the PRINTED lines. Check that the fabric is in the right area by holding the paper up to a light or window and adjusting the fabric piece so that there is at least ¼” over the seam line. It also helps to have a generous sized piece of fabric – but not so big it gets in your way. You can always trim it down but it's hard to add fabric.

Use a smaller than normal stitch length and be sure to start and stop your sewing a few stitches past the line you are sewing. Also sew out to the edge through the seam allowances.

Speaking of trimming – it makes your block much neater when you remove the paper if you have trimmed the seam allowances as you work. After each line is sewn fold back the paper on the sewn line to reveal only the seam allowance. Take a little clear ruler and with a rotary cutter and mat trim the seam to a scant ¼". Sometimes you will have to loosen the paper if there is another seam that you have crossed. It won't affect the paper to have a little tear in it.

These are a few hints to make you one of the paper foundation lovers!
The pattern for the Paper Foundation Star pictured below will be available from the Vice President at the guild meeting.

PAPER FOUNDATION

PIECED STARS
MADE BY GUILD MEMBERS