Using Freezer Paper for Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP)

[This blog post is written by me, Julia Wachs. I do not use AI to generate text.]

Did you know that instead of printing tons of paper templates for an FPP project you could make reusable templates out of freezer paper? This is a great technique to know if your FPP project has a lot of repeated sections. Plus, it cuts down on the amount of paper you need and on sewing time. Read below to learn how to do this technique yourself! Note: some links in this tutorial are affiliate links, meaning that I earn a small commission if you buy through my link. I only recommend products I use and enjoy.

Supply List

• FPP templates
• Freezer paper
• Scissors
• Cutting mat
• Rotary cutter
• Quilting ruler
• Iron + ironing board
• Pencil
• Glue stick
• Hera marker
• Optional but highly recommended: Add-a-Quarter ruler
• Optional but highly recommended: Cutterpillar light board (use code JULIAWACHS for 15% off)

Making the Templates

Step 1.

If you haven't already, print one copy of your FPP templates at 100% size onto regular printer paper. Verify the 1" square on the templates to ensure it printed at the correct size. Note: if you have an inkjet printer and printable freezer paper, you can print the templates directly onto the freezer paper. If you do this you can skip to Step 10.

Step 2.

With your scissors or a rotary cutter, cut out each section template from the printed page. This will make it easier to trace the templates onto the freezer paper. Glue or tape the templates together if there are any glue or tape indications on the template.

Step 3.

Place the paper template printed side up. Layer the freezer paper on top, shiny side down. You will be tracing the printed template onto the dull side of the freezer paper.

Step 4.

Cut the freezer paper to the approximate size of the template.

Step 5.

Put a small amount of glue on the printed side of the template. Layer the freezer paper on top, shiny side down.

Step 6.

If you have a light board, place the paper and glued on freezer paper atop the light board. A light board makes this process easy (I have the Cutterpillar Mini which is the perfect size for me). You can also place the assembly on a brightly lit window to see the lines of the template better. Otherwise, use your cutting mat.

Step 7.

With your ruler and pencil, carefully trace the solid lines of the template. Copy all labels and color indications. It is optional to trace the dotted seam allowance line. When trimming I recommend cutting a quarter inch away from the solid line, instead of directly on top of the dotted seam allowance line anyway.

Step 8.

Trim the traced template a quarter inch away from the outside solid lines. If you are using a light board to trace, make sure that you are using a cutting mat on top to trim.

Step 9.

Separate the freezer paper template from the printed paper template. Your traced freezer paper template should look identical to the printed one.

Step 10.

Use a Hera marker to mark the interior sew lines. Be as precise as possible. Carefully fold the template at all indentations. Run your fingernail along the fold to help it hold.

Piecing the Templates

The procedure to piece the templates is very similar to classic FPP methods, except that you do not sew through the paper. Instead, you sew directly adjacent to the fold in the freezer paper. The waxy side of the freezer paper allows it to stick nicely to the fabric which prevents the fabric from shifting. Use a regular stitch length. I'm using 2.0mm.

Click for a classic FPP tutorial or enroll in my on-demand course.

Step 11.

Place the template shiny side down to the wrong side of the Patch 1 (K1 in the example) fabric. Leave enough margin beyond the fold for a 1/4" seam allowance.

Step 12.

Iron the freezer paper on Patch 1, up to the fold.

Step 13.

Place the Patch 2 piece (K2 in the example) underneath the assembly as shown, right sides together. The way the freezer paper is folded shows that the Patch 2 piece will cover the entirety of Patch 2 when unfolded.

Step 14.

Sew right next to the fold in the freezer paper. Get as close as you can without sewing through the paper (but it's okay if you accidentally sew through it a couple times).

Step 15.

Trim the fabric beyond the fold to a 1/4" seam allowance with your Add-a-Quarter ruler.

Step 16.

Unfold both the freezer paper and the fabric. Press the seam between Patch 1 and Patch 2. Make sure that Patch 2 also adheres to the freezer paper.

Step 17.

Fold the template along the line adjacent to Patch 3 (K3 in the example). Trim the seam allowance with your Add-a-Quarter ruler (or 1/4").

Step 18.

Place the Patch 3 piece underneath the assembly as shown, right sides together.

Step 19.

Sew right next to the fold in the freezer paper, getting as close as you can without sewing through the paper.

Step 20.

Unfold both the freezer paper and the fabric. Press the seam, making sure Patch 3 adheres to the freezer paper as well. Trim the seam.

Step 21.

Place the Patch 4 (K4 in the example) piece underneath the assembly as shown, right sides together.

Step 22.

Sew right next to the fold in the freezer paper, getting as close as you can without sewing through the paper.

Step 23.

Unfold both the freezer paper and the fabric. Press the seam, making sure Patch 4 adheres to the freezer paper as well.

Step 24.

With your regular quilting ruler, trim 1/4" away from the solid lines on all sides of the template.

Step 25.

Unpeel the freezer paper from the fabric. Take care to not let the fabric in the seam allowances fray.

This technique can be used for any FPP template. Reuse the freezer paper template until it loses most of its stick or gets too battered! I get 12-24 uses per template, depending on how many patches are within one section. Sections with more than 4 patches get manipulated and ironed much more than sections with only 2 patches total. See how far you get and let me know how it goes! I think you will find this a great technique for those quilt patterns with many repeat FPP blocks such as Bracken, Skye, and Night Bloom.

Thank you for reading!