5 Mistakes to Avoid When Doing FPP (and How to Fix Them!)
Foundation paper piecing (FPP) can transform your quilting game — but it’s not without its challenges. If you’ve ever ended up with a backwards block, fabric that’s just too small, or tangled seams, you’re not alone. Here are five of the most common FPP mistakes and exactly how to fix them — so you can enjoy every stitch of the process.
1. Cutting Fabric Pieces Too Small
The mistake:
You cut your fabric just barely larger than the shape on the template… and it doesn’t cover the section after stitching.
The fix:
Use the “generous rough cut” method — cut your pieces at least ½" to 1" larger than needed. For trickier angles, especially with sharp points or curves, go even bigger.
FPP tip: Pre-cutting is great, but if you’re just starting out, working with slightly oversized scraps will save you frustration. Also, a pattern like Memento Mori has templates that you can use to precut your fabric patches and avoid this mistake altogether.
Want to test this tip on a real design? Try it out with my Cabanas pattern, where sharp angles and precise coverage are key.
2. Forgetting to Shorten Your Stitch Length
The mistake:
You start sewing with your usual stitch length and your paper won’t tear off cleanly — or worse, the seams start pulling apart.
The fix:
Set your stitch length to 1.6–2 mm. This perforates the paper enough to tear cleanly while keeping your seams secure. Don’t forget to change it back when switching to regular piecing!
FPP troubleshooting: Test your stitch length on a scrap of paper and fabric first to see how easily the paper tears.
3. Sewing the Wrong Fabric Piece First (or in the Wrong Direction)
The mistake:
You sew piece 6 to piece 4… but oops, it was supposed to be 5. Or you flipped it and now it doesn’t cover the section.
The fix:
Before sewing, fold along the stitch line to double-check placement. Then, audition your fabric by holding it up to the light or a window to make sure it covers the section after stitching.
Pro tip: Lay out all your pieces in order and work in a quiet space. Rushing leads to backwards blocks!
4. Not Trimming Seam Allowances
The mistake:
You stitch patches together and skip trimming. Your seams get bulky, and matching points becomes nearly impossible.
The fix:
Always trim to a ¼" seam allowance after every seam. Use an add-a-quarter ruler or fold the paper back and trim with a regular ruler.
FPP tip: A crisp, flat block starts with consistent seam allowances.
This becomes especially important in intricate patterns like Memento Mori, where dozens of seams meet in tight corners.
5. Not Removing Paper in the Right Order
The mistake:
You rip the paper off too early or in the wrong order — and your seams start to unravel or distort.
The fix:
Wait until the block is fully assembled and pressed flat before removing paper. Then, remove it from the center outward, supporting seams as you go. I prefer removing the paper when the entire quilt top is finished.
Troubleshooting tip: Use bent-nose tweezers for tight corners, and crumple the quilt gently to soften the paper before starting.
Bonus Tip: Practice Makes Progress
Every FPP mistake is a learning moment — and the best way to improve is to keep stitching. Choose patterns that challenge you just enough to learn, but are still fun to finish.
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