Freezer Paper Piecing
Freezer Paper Piecing uses freezer paper as a pattern foundation. Unlike standard paper piecing, the paper is not sewn through. This makes the pattern reusable many times. The freezer paper pattern is folded on the sewing lines, then the wrong side of the fabric is pressed with a hot, dry iron to the waxy side of the freezer paper, covering the first piece in the pattern. Using a ¼” seam allowance, the second piece is placed right sides together, on top of the first piece. The folded edge of the freezer paper becomes the sewing guide. Sew with a standard size stitch right along the folded edge of the paper. Use a hot, dry iron to press the second fabric in place of the paper that was folded back--this secures the second piece of fabric to the paper. Continue in this manner to complete the pattern. Trim the completed pattern exactly, using the seam allowance lines to be sure the unit is the correct size. Gently pull the freezer paper pattern from the fabric. The freezer paper pattern can be used again.
Benefits of Freezer Paper Piecing
There are many benefites of Freezer Paper Piecing.
- The patterns can be used repeatedly. Once the wax is gone, use a light dab of fabric glue stick to secure the fabric to the pattern.
- The stitch length is set at normal piecing size, 2.0-2.5, as desired. This makes it easy to remove pieces if an error occurs.
- Because the fabric is not stitched to the paper, the stitches are not pulled out when removing the paper pattern after sewing is complete.
Tools and Supplies of Freezer Paper Piecing
You don't need a lot of tools for Freezer Paper Piecing.
- Freezer Paper for patterns can be cut from a roll of freezer paper you purchase at any grocery store or purchased in precut sheet form of 8.5" x 11" so you can run it through a printer.
- Patterns suitable for paper piecing can be printed directly on the paper wiht an inject printer
What I wished I knew when I started Freezer Paper Piecing
I wish I knew how fast and accurate FREEZER PAPER PIECING could be. It saves so much paper and printing when making standard units multiple times. I wish I knew to hold on to the paper and the fabric when removing it from the sewing machine. If the fabric comes off the paper, you have to carefully re-align the fabric with the freezer paper pattern before continuing to make the unit.
