Paper piecing foundation paper
#11
I use foundation paper because I bought a couple of packages years ago and am still working my way thru them. I like that they are the same size as copy paper and my printer has no issue with them. I also like that I can easily see thru them and that they are easy to remove.
But one of the parchment paper brands is now advertising pre-cut cookie sheet pieces--17"x11". Cutting one of those in half would give me the same size as copy paper too. I haven't seen it in any local stores so cannot comment on the price.
But one of the parchment paper brands is now advertising pre-cut cookie sheet pieces--17"x11". Cutting one of those in half would give me the same size as copy paper too. I haven't seen it in any local stores so cannot comment on the price.
#12
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: NY
Posts: 10,590
I have used Carol Doak foundation paper and like it a lot. I have also used copy paper and find that the cheaper, the better for this purpose. I know there are people who like freezer paper but I found that it is not flexible, does not fold as cleanly and hard to tear away and stretches the thread in the stitches. My first consideration is that it go through the printer without hassle. The second is that it tear easily and quickly. I really enjoy paper piecing because of its precision. It is its own 'journey'.
Then when you go to PP instead of stitching through the paper you fold it back and stitch right next to it. You can reuse pattern pieces several times (I think I have gone up to 8 times before it quits sticking when I iron on my fabric) and you don't have any tedious ripping. I love FPP for this. It takes a bit more prep work but more than makes up for it in saving time with no tearing the paper and being able to reuse the pattern pieces.
Here is a fabulous blog that explains the difference in both technique and results. However, unlike this blogger, I have found I got very precise results with FPP as well as regular PP.
https://denversews.com/2014/03/07/fo...freezer-paper/
To the OP, I am loyal to no kind of paper with traditional PP. I use copy paper, newsprint, and vellum. But vellum is by far the best to use as it tears easily, is semi transparent and is crisp. But the cost is prohibitive compared to the other choices. It can be found relatively inexpensively if you purchase it by the ream but it is still more than copy or newsprint.
#13
I use copy paper. That is, I reuse copy paper. Any piece of paper that comes into the house, if it has a clean back, gets saved for foundation paper. DH and I both use a mail-order pharmacy, and every order comes with a quarter-inch thick stack of papers about the various medication. I think I have close to a ream's worth of paper just from that.
#14
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Ridgefield WA
Posts: 7,765
Freezer paper, the Reynolds brand from the grocery store- 16 YDS x 18". I buy about once a year and do a lot of PP'ing. Press it on to fabric with iron, no pins or glue.
I sew beside the fold so no having to rip through the thread when done - and reusable.
I sew beside the fold so no having to rip through the thread when done - and reusable.
Last edited by Kitsie; 12-20-2017 at 09:05 AM.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Pearland, TX
Posts: 406
I have never used anything but copy paper when paper piecing. It is so easy to print out the foundation papers on my ink jet printer and go directly to the sewing machine. I do trim away excess paper before I sew, but that is a personal preference. I have had very good luck using copy paper, and, yes, I do remember to shorten my stitch length a bit so the paper is easier to remove.
#18
I've pp'd for years and have used many foundation papers, from Kabnet Wax (deli wrap) to copy paper. I prefer the newsprint as it is softer and tears away easily. Recently I tried the Carol Doak paper and just love it, it seems to be also newsprint, but maybe thinner or smoother somehow? It's easy to trace through, and already sized for printers so saves me from having to trim it, and not a bad price when I get it on sale online.
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