Foundation Paper Pieced Quilt Borders
When most quilters think of foundation paper piecing (FPP), they picture stand-alone quilt blocks, mini quilts, or intricate wall hangings. But small FPP patterns can do so much more. They’re especially perfect for decorative borders, quilt sashings, or as striking little features on things like pouches, zipper bags, and even tote straps.
Foundation paper pieced quilt borders and strip can be purchased here.
In this post, we’ll look at how you can use narrow or strip FPP designs—like the ones in my shop—to bring a custom, professional finish to all sorts of handmade projects. These pieces might be small, but they’re packed with potential—and many of them come in multiple widths to suit a variety of uses.
Why Use FPP for Borders & Small Projects?
1. Precision Without the Headache
Sewing narrow borders or strips can sometimes feel fiddly. Foundation paper piecing removes the guesswork by letting you sew directly on the lines, giving you perfect points and consistent shapes every time. That’s especially handy for things like flying geese, triangles, or diamond units that would be tricky to cut and piece accurately using traditional methods.
FPP is ideal when you want to show off clean geometry in small spaces—and with a range of strip widths available, you can find a design that works whether you’re adding a slim 1.5" accent or a bold 3" statement panel.
2. Perfect for Scraps or Solids
These designs shine in any fabric style:
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Scrappy strips let you use up your tiniest leftovers.
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Solids give a clean, modern look.
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Tone-on-tone prints add subtle texture.
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Fussy cuts bring in personality and storytelling (think novelty prints, text fabrics, or tiny florals centered in each unit).
No matter your fabric style, you can make these patterns your own.
3. Buildable and Repeatable—with Size Options
Many of the FPP patterns in my shop are designed to repeat, and even better—they come in multiple widths, so you can choose what works best for your project. Whether you need a narrow 1.5" strip for a zipper pouch or a wider 3.5" panel for a quilt border, the same design can flex to fit your needs.
Where to Use Quilt Border or Strips
Here are a few of my favourite ways to turn small FPP units into functional or decorative features:
• Quilt Borders & Sashing
Instead of using a plain border strip, line up pieced units for a detailed frame around your quilt top. With multiple width options, you can match your border scale to your block size or adjust it to fit within an existing design layout.
• Zipper Pouches & Bag Panels
Add a pieced strip across the front of a zipper pouch or canvas tote. You only need a few units, and suddenly the bag looks polished and one-of-a-kind. Having a choice of widths means your design fits just right—not too bulky, not too narrow.
• Straps, Tabs & Trim
Pieced bag straps? Yes please. Or add an FPP accent to the flap of a pouch, the lining of a bag, or even a decorative label on the back of a quilt. Size options give you flexibility without having to fuss with resizing your templates.
Foundation paper pieced quilt borders and strip can be purchased here.
Tips for Making Small FPP Units Work for You
- Use a shorter stitch length (1.3–1.6) to make paper removal easier and improve accuracy.
- Chain piece multiples if you’re creating a strip or border—it speeds up the process and gives you a consistent rhythm.
- Audition your layout with scraps or color swatches before sewing—especially if you’re working with high contrast or directional prints.
- Mix widths for impact—use a wider strip on one project and the narrower version on a matching accessory for a coordinated but varied look.
Foundation paper piecing doesn’t have to be reserved for full blocks or large quilts. Small, repeatable FPP patterns—especially those that come in multiple widths—are a powerful way to personalise and elevate even the simplest of sewing projects.
Whether you’re adding a border to a quilt, piecing the front of a pouch, or creating something totally unique, my FPP patterns are designed to give you flexibility and fun in every stitch.
Foundation paper pieced quilt borders and strip can be purchased here.
You may like to read about the
Pros and Cons of Foundation Paper Piecing
Top 20 Tips for Foundation Paper Piecing
Foundation Paper Pieced String Blocks
You may also like to read about these foundation paper pieced samplers.