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An Online Extra to Threads Magazine
Free Patterns: Mini-Quilt Templates in a Jiffy
Give miniature foundation piecing a try using our four free patterns, and preview some quilt-block software that makes it a breeze to print templates
by Carol Fresia
Foundation piecing is a great method for obtaining perfectly accurate pieced quilt blocks every time: You stitch fabric to a foundation of paper or muslin on which the block pattern is printed, using the printed lines as a guide. You don't even need to cut precise fabric pieces ahead of time; instead, simply use any scrap of fabric you like (on or off-grain), as long as it's large enough to cover the section of the template you've chosen. Sew the fabric patch on, trim the seam allowance, unfold, and press flat. For step-by-step instructions in foundation piecing, see Kayla Kennington's article "Quilting on a Small Scale" in the June/July 2002 issue of Threads (#101), pp. 46-51. Then try your hand at miniature foundation piecing using our four free patterns.
Once you've got the hang of foundation piecing, you're limited only by the number of block patterns you can find to use. Foundation-piecing pattern software is a great source for templates. Both Foundation Factory by Quilt-Pro Systems (www.quiltpro.com) and Sew Precise! by the Electric Quilt Company (www.electricquilt.com) allow you to choose a pattern, alter its size to suit your needs, and print it out on paper. Printing options include how many blocks to print per page, whether to include numerals and seam allowances, printing in color or grayscale, and how many copies to print. Because you can customize the dimensions of the blocks, these products are ideal for generating templates for miniature piecing.
Carol Fresia is an associate editor for Threads.
Photos, except where noted: courtesy of Quilt-Pro Systems and Electric Quilt Company
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