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Christmas Tree (FPP) Tutorial + Pattern

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Inside: Christmas Tree (FPP) Tutorial + Pattern

Have you ever tried foundation paper piecing? It’s easier than you think. And this simple Paper Pieced Christmas Tree is the perfect project to try!

This simple paper pieced Christmas Tree Mug Rug uses foundation paper piecing (FPP) to make perfect Christmas trees for this mug rug project.

It’s the perfect beginner project. Even if you’ve never tried FPP before, I promise you can do this.

If you are not familiar with FPP, I have a tutorial called How to Foundation Paper Piece that shows basic FPP steps that anyone can do! Click over to the post and practice making a few FPP hearts then come back here to get started on this Christmas Tree mug rug.

Christmas Tree (FPP) Tutorial + Pattern

Materials

Foundation paper piecing doesn’t really require a ton of expensive tools or supplies. And, it eliminates the need for a lot of expensive rulers.

Below, I’ve listed some tools I use, but the only really essential tools are the Add-A-Quarter Ruler, a rotary cutter, a cutting mat, and a few pins. 


Christmas Tree (FPP) Tutorial + Pattern

Step 1: Get the FREE Pattern

You will need a basic pattern for beginner foundation paper piecing. I’ve created a simple Christmas Tree design that you can download for free. Click here to download the FREE Christmas Tree Template

Want an ad-free, printable copy of this tutorial? Scroll to the bottom of this post for more details!


Step 2: Make 3 Christmas Trees

Note: If this is your first time doing an FPP project, you may want to label each number with the color of fabric you plan to place there.

Note: For this step you may need to visit my blog post >>> How to Foundation Paper Piece.

  • Make three foundation paper pieced (FPP) Christmas Tree blocks using the free template in Step 1. If you’re unfamiliar with FPP, follow the steps in the tutorial linked above.
  • Trim each block on the dotted line of the paper template.
  • Press blocks and set aside.

Step 3: Attaching the 3 Trees

In this step you’ll be attaching all three trees. If you’ve used different fabrics for each tree, then arrange them in a manner that is pleasing to your eyes.

Note: All seams will be 1/4″.

  • Set stitch length to 1.5mm
  • Sew two trees right sides together. Press seam open.
  • Sew the the third tree right sides together to the above set. Press seam open.
  • If necessary, square the block.
  • You should now have a 7″ x 11.5″ quilt top. Press block. 
Christmas Tree (FPP) Tutorial + Pattern

Step 4: Preparing to Quilt

Note: Because FPP is so precise it probably won’t be necessary to square up the individual blocks, but it’s always a good idea to make sure they are square.

  • Make a quilt sandwich by laying the quilt back fabric right side down. Next, place a piece of fusible batting on top. Then place the quilt top wrong side down on top of the batting.
  • Press the quilt sandwich with a hot, dry iron for 10 seconds to set the fusible batting.

Step 5: Quilting & Squaring

  • Quilt in your favorite style. This can be as simple as you want with straight line quilting or an all-over meander. 
  • Square up the quilt. This will not be complicated because paper piecing creates uniform blocks that attach easily.

Step 6: Finishing the Mug Rug

The final step is to bind your quilt. If you’re new to quilting, check out my tutorial below. There is also a quick video within the post that shows the process.

>>> Click here for a tutorial on How to Machine Bind a Quilt


>>> Want a printable version of the post? Click the pink button, and download the Printable PDF instructions.

Christmas Tree (FPP) Tutorial + Pattern

Want more Foundation Paper Piecing?

Below are few other FPP projects for you to enjoy!


Pin for later!


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