Foundation Piecing With Freezer Paper

Foundation Piecing with Freezer Paper: A Game-Changer for Precision Quilting

If you've ever struggled with getting perfect points or precise angles in your quilt blocks, it might be time to give foundation piecing with freezer paper a try. This technique blends the accuracy of foundation piecing with the convenience of a tear-free method—and it might just become your new favorite way to tackle tricky designs.

What Is Foundation Piecing with Freezer Paper?

Traditional foundation piecing involves sewing fabric directly onto a printed paper foundation, which you later have to tear away. Freezer paper piecing takes a different approach: instead of stitching through the paper, you press fabric to the shiny side of the freezer paper and stitch next to the lines, not through them. This allows you to reuse your foundation multiple times and eliminate the tedious task of removing paper afterward.

Why Use Freezer Paper?

• No Paper to Tear: You sew next to the template, not through it, so no paper removal is needed.

• Reusable Templates: One freezer paper template can often be used 10+ times.

• Better Accuracy: Your seam lines are visible and crisp, resulting in more precise blocks.

• Less Waste: A more sustainable approach to foundation piecing.

Supplies You'll Need

• Freezer paper (look for Reynolds or quilting-specific sheets)

• Inkjet printer or pen for tracing

• Rotary cutter and mat

• Quilting ruler

• Iron (a small travel iron is handy)

• Fabric scraps

• Add-a-Quarter ruler (optional but helpful)

Step-by-Step: How It Works

1. Print or Trace Your BlockPrint your block design onto the dull side of the freezer paper (only use an inkjet printer) or trace it by hand.

2. Cut Out Your TemplateTrim the freezer paper to size, leaving some margin around the block.

3. Iron to First Fabric PiecePlace the shiny side of the paper against the wrong side of your first fabric piece. Press it with a dry iron—it will temporarily stick.

4. Fold Along Sewing LineFold the freezer paper back along the first sewing line to expose the edge where your next fabric will go.

5. Align and SewAlign your second fabric piece right sides together. Sew just beside the fold (not through the paper).

6. Press OpenOpen and press the second fabric piece. Repeat the process for each section of the block.

7. Trim to SizeOnce all sections are added, trim the block to the outer edge of the freezer paper.

8. Peel and ReuseGently peel the freezer paper off the back of your finished block. It’s ready to use again!

Tips for Success

• Use a dry iron—steam can make the freezer paper curl or lose its stickiness.

• Pre-fold all your lines before starting for faster workflow.

• Don’t forget to reverse your design if it’s directional, especially with letters or motifs.

• Try this technique on complex shapes or small pieces—you’ll love the precision.

When to Use It

Freezer paper foundation piecing shines for:

• Star blocks

• Paper-pieced letters

• Tiny or angled components

• Patterns you want to make multiple times

Final Thoughts

If you're intimidated by foundation piecing or frustrated by removing paper after every block, freezer paper might be your solution. It’s cleaner, faster, and incredibly accurate—plus, once you get the hang of it, it’s a joy to use.

Ready to give it a go? Try it on your next project—or check out my quilt patterns.

I also have a video tutorial on my YouTube channel if you'd like to follow along step-by-step, on YouTube search Handwoven by Leah, subscribe to my channel.

Happy piecing,

Leah