10/24/26 “Fearless Foundation Paper Piecing: Tips and Techniques to Make FPP Easier and More Fun” by Esther Kleinkauf Schoolhouse

This class is for someone who has done some FPP, especially if some part of the process is frustrating to you. I really want to invite anyone that has tried FPP and given up on it. You are missing so much!

We will discuss everything from what constitutes a quality pattern to why the size of the pieces is not what defines the difficulty (and what does). I will give you ideas on how to organize your fabrics and how best to cut pieces to minimize frustration from too small pieces. We will also look at what “paper” is best to sew on and you will get to try 3 different kinds.

You will be making at least 3 blocks designed especially to demonstrate and practice the ideas discussed.

Supply List

• Sewing Machine – Set up with a #70 needle and a Straight Stitch Foot. (I prefer a clear plastic foot)
• Thread – The “best” choice is 80 wt Deco Bob. If you are just starting out, buy a mini cone in a light shade of your favorite neutral. If you have 100’s of spools of thread , like I do, you can use other fine threads. I would not recommend anything heavier than Aurifil 50 wt.
• “Add a Quarter” and “Add an Eighth” rulers. For this class you need the 6 inch ones. The ones labeled “Plus” are not more useful.
• Small and large (45mm) rotary cutters, small cutting mat, small rotary cutting rulers (nothing larger than 6in x 12 in}.
• Small Scissors or thread snips.
• Small ironing board and small iron. The classroom will have irons.
• A rectangle of heavy/crisp plastic for folding back pattern sections. Mine is 3.5 inches by 7 inches for no particular reason. You can also just use the heaviest advertising/political postcard that shows up in your mailbox.
• Glue stick -I was once told that the UHU brand is the best for fabric to paper gluing.
• Pins – You won’t need more than a half dozen. My preferred pins right now are Clover Patch work pins with the blue and yellow heads. They have the right balance of thinness and length.
• Clover MINI clips. I have some to give out if you don’t already own any.
• Acorn Precision Piecing Pen – You can buy the Essentials pack or the Starter kit and get their Easy Press fabric treatment, but you can fill the pen with other liquids such as Best Press, Magic Starch or even water…but you really need the pen!
• Ballpoint awl/stiletto
• Paper and pen to take notes.

Optional Supplies:

• Light box with translucent mat
• Roxanne’s or other glue
• Tailor’s clapper
• Seam ironing bar