Paper piercing, also known as foundation piercing, has made a comeback since the early 90s. There are several techniques you can use.

To make a quilt with a little skill, try to create a string, paper pierced block. You will need fabric scraps of your choice, paper for your pattern, scissors or a rotary cutter, a rotary cutting mat, a sewing machine, an iron and an ironing board. Then you cut eight inch blocks of newspaper. Cut 2 inch by 12 inch strips out of your fabric scraps. Cut enough 8 inch blocks to meet the size of your project. To put this together, place a fabric strip in the middle of your paper pattern cross ways across the block. Add another fabric strip to the center strip with the right sides together. Sew the two strips together with a 1/4 inch seam allowance directly to the paper pattern. Open out the strips, right side up and iron. Add a third fabric strip, right sides together, and sew together with a 1/4 inch seam directly to the paper. Open it out and iron. Repeat until the side of the block is covered and no paper is showing. Repeat this process on the other side of the block until no paper is showing, ironing as you add each fabric strip. Flip the block over and trim away the extra fabric along the original paper pattern piece.

You can use paper piercing to create cards, etc., using a paper piercing template, a piercing tool and pad. Paper piercing requires very few tools. Paper, a piercing mat, a needle and a pattern, are your basics. With a little information and drive, you can create a beautiful thing for your home. These would make great gifts as well.