Quilting Foundation Piecing

You can't build a great quilt without addressing the foundation (bad pun!).  Here you'll find some great piecing advice.

When pressing, make sure your iron is completely free of water. If your iron produces any steam, you could cause the paper to disintegrate. If any ink is on the paper, the steam could make the ink run and possible damage your fabric. Also, steam can shrink your fabric, as the wet, hot air will negatively affect the fibers of the fabric. Before using any iron, test it on a clean cloth. This will let you know if your iron is dirty or if any water is present.

When you are ready to remove the paper from your foundation patterns lightly spritz the paper with water. Allow the papers to dry to your touch. You can easily remove the papers without pulling out your stitches.

I needed something on which to press blocks on the table near my sewing machine, but found an old towel to be too soft.  I went to my kitchen and got a brand new silicon baking sheet (like for baking cookies).  Being new, it had no residues of any kind, and since the box said it could be used in temperatures of up to 500 degrees, I decided to try it.  I placed it right side up and used my hottest setting on my iron (I do not use steam).  It discolors when ironed upon, but does not melt.  The discoloration fades away again as the sheet cools.  Being a little thin, it does transfer some heat, but I cut a piece of corregated cardboard for under it, and that seems to take care of the extra heat.  My sheet is about 16 X 10, but there is a smaller one in the box that I may use for taking to retreats.