What Kind of Paper to Use for Foundation Paper Piecing?

If you are new to foundation paper piecing, one of the first questions you may ask is what kind of paper works best for printing templates. The good news is that you do not need anything fancy to get started. Most foundation paper piecing patterns are designed to work with paper that you can easily print at home.

Different papers do behave differently when sewing and when removing the foundation. Choosing the right one depends on your project and personal preference.

The Most Common Papers Used for Foundation Paper Piecing

Copy or Printer Paper

Regular copy paper is the most common paper used for foundation paper piecing. Standard printer paper is usually around 80gsm (equivalent to 20lb paper in the USA), although lighter options such as 70gsm copy paper are also available.

This is the paper most quilters start with because it is inexpensive and easy to find. Many quilters simply print their templates directly from their home printer. I often use regular copy paper myself because it is economical and easy to access. I even repurpose the blank backs of previously printed pages.

Recently, I discovered a 70 gsm copy paper available from Officeworks (sold in packs of 500 sheets) in Australia. Because it is slightly thinner than standard copy paper, it can be a little easier to remove after sewing. A very economical option.

Advantages

Easy to print directly from a computer
Inexpensive and widely available
Provides a stable guide for accurate seams

Disadvantages

Single use only
Can create a bit more bulk when joining sections
Paper removal can take time for very intricate blocks

Despite these minor drawbacks, regular copy paper remains a reliable and practical choice for most foundation paper piecing projects.

Lightweight Foundation Paper

Some quilters prefer lighter papers such as newsprint or specialty foundation paper piecing paper.

Newsprint is a lightweight paper that tears very easily, which makes removing the foundation faster. However, it can be harder to find in some places. It is more readily available in the United States but is not as easy to source in Australia. Can be found online.

There are also specialty products designed specifically for foundation paper piecing. These papers are thin and sew and tear well, but they are generally more expensive than regular copy paper. You may find that the easier paper removal makes these products worthwhile.

Chris Jurd's Foundation Paper Piecing Paper 50gsm A4 size Pack of 50 sheets (located in Australia) I haven't tried this one but at 50gsm, it is similar to butchers paper/newsprint weight) (about $0.20AUD per sheet)

Foundation Paper Piecing Paper Ozquilts 60gsm A4 size Pack of 50 sheets (located in Australia) I haven't tried this one but it is also lighter than standard copy paper. (about $0.20AUD per sheet)

Carol Doak's Foundation Paper Piecing Paper is one that I have tried. This is available worldwide. Google this product to see where you can purchase near you. It is lovely to work with. The weight is similar to butchers paper with a matte texture. Prints and tears nicely. There is less bulk in the seams when joining sections. This comes in Letter size but can still be used in regular printers in Australia. As an Australian, it works out to be $0.30AUD per sheet. (Probably less expensive if purchased in the USA) So it is on the pricier side compared to regular copy paper. This will make a difference if you do a lot of foundation paper piecing.

June Tailor Perfect Piecing paper (available worldwide. Google to see where you can purchase) I haven't tried this one. From the description this paper has the advantage of being transparent so you can see through the paper to see how your papers align. In Australia, it is about $40AUD for 50 sheets. This works out to be $0.80 per sheet.

Freezer Paper

Freezer paper is another option that some quilters use for foundation piecing. It has a shiny waxy side that can be temporarily ironed onto fabric. Instead of sewing through the paper, the fabric is attached to the template with an iron. Freezer paper can only be used on ink jet printers, not laser printers.

Because the template can be removed and reused, freezer paper can reduce waste and be useful when making multiple identical blocks.

Here is a YouTube Tutorial by Pattern Poole demonstrating how to use freezer paper to foundation paper piece.

Advantages

Reusable multiple times
Can hold fabric in place when ironed
Useful for repeated blocks

Disadvantages

More difficult for small or intricate pieces
Harder to achieve precision for small pieces
Not suitable for every type of foundation paper piecing pattern
Can only be printed on with an inkjet printer

Freezer paper works best for blocks with larger pieces and repeated sections where the same template can be reused.

Freezer paper is available cut to Letter size or on a roll. I believe it is widely available in the USA. In Australia, it is only available in quilt stores. Google to see where you can purchase. I do not use freezer paper to foundation paper piece as I generally make small blocks and with small piecing. Freezer paper is not as accurate in this case because it relies on how accurately you fold on the sewing line.

Problems the Wrong Paper Can Cause

Paper thickness can make a noticeable difference when foundation paper piecing.

Heavier paper can be harder to remove and may create extra bulk when sewing sections together. Thinner paper usually tears away more easily.

Freezer paper can also be challenging when working with intricate designs. Small pieces and unusual angles are easier to sew accurately when the fabric is stabilized by a printed paper foundation.

Tips for Choosing the Right Paper

If you are just starting with foundation paper piecing, keep things simple.

Regular printer paper is usually the easiest place to start because it is inexpensive and accessible. You can always experiment with other options later.

A few practical tips can also make the process easier:

Reduce your stitch length when sewing so the paper perforates and tears away more easily
Use thinner paper if you are making very intricate blocks
Freezer paper can be useful for larger blocks or repeated designs, but it is generally not the best option for intricate piecing.

In Summary

There is no single perfect paper for foundation paper piecing. Many quilters use standard copy paper successfully, while others prefer lighter specialty papers for easier removal. I guess you need to balance the cost and convenience of different papers.

For most projects, regular printer paper works perfectly well and allows you to start sewing immediately. As you gain experience, you can experiment with different papers to find the option that suits your sewing style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use regular printer paper for foundation paper piecing?

Yes. Regular printer paper is the most common option for foundation paper piecing. It is inexpensive, easy to print on, and provides a stable guide for accurate seams.

Is thinner paper better for foundation paper piecing?

Thinner paper can make removing the paper foundation easier and reduce bulky seams. Papers such as newsprint or specialty foundation paper tear away more easily than standard printer paper.

Can freezer paper be used for foundation paper piecing?

Freezer paper can be used for some foundation piecing methods because it can be ironed onto fabric and reused. However, it is usually better suited to blocks with larger pieces and repeated sections rather than intricate designs.

If you’d like to try Foundation Paper Piecing, explore my beginner-friendly free Foundation Paper Piecing block patterns . They’re perfect for learning the basics, using your fabric scraps, and creating unique handmade projects.

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