A Foundation Piecing Primer Brenda Groelz continues her series to introduce beginners to the fun world of foundation piecing. Also known as paper piecing, this is a great method for piecing accurate points, odd angles and tiny pieces. Part 1 (McCall's Quick Quilts, November, 2003) covered the basics, trimming tips, and Brenda's favorite tools. Each article in this series will review the basics (for those just joining us) and will introduce a new topic.

Once again, we explore the simplest form of foundation piecing, working with pre-cut, straight of grain strips of fabric, pieced on paper foundations. Read through the following steps and tips, then try your hand at assembly line piecing with Log Cabin Swirl, an exciting new wall quilt design. A Because foundations are printed the reverse of the final design, you can get confused about what fabric goes where. Using markers or colored pencils to color code each foundation keeps you straight. Or make just one guide by taping scraps of fabric in the proper position, and post it in your work area. B Place #1 fabric on unprinted side of foundation, wrong side to the paper, centered behind #1 position, allowing approximately 1/4" seam allowance all around. Pin, glue or hold in place. Position #2 fabric right side to the paper, with approximately 1/4" extending into the #2 position. Hold with thumb and fingers or pin in place. (In photo, fabric #1 is burgundy and fabric #2 is gold.) TIP: The bulk of the new fabric should lie behind areas already covered. From now on, all pieces are added right side to the unprinted side of the paper foundation.