What is English Paper Piecing?
English paper piecing (EPP) is a traditional quilting technique that involves wrapping fabric around a paper template and sewing the pieces together by hand. The paper templates are typically cut into shapes such as diamonds, hexagons, or triangles, and the fabric is cut to fit around the template with a seam allowance added.
To create an EPP quilt, the fabric pieces are basted around the paper templates and then sewn together using a whipstitch or ladder stitch. Once all of the pieces are sewn together, the paper templates are removed, and the quilt top can be finished with batting and a backing fabric.
EPP is a popular technique because it allows for precise and intricate designs to be created, even by those without advanced quilting skills. It is also a portable and relaxing craft that can be done anywhere, making it a popular choice for quilters on the go.
Now a quick history and overview
Quilting has a rich history that dates back centuries, and one of the oldest and most beloved techniques is English Paper Piecing (EPP). This traditional quilting method involves wrapping fabric around paper templates and sewing the pieces together by hand to create intricate designs.
EPP gained popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries, and it remains a beloved technique among quilters today. It is a portable and relaxing craft that can be done anywhere, making it a popular choice for quilters on the go. With EPP, even those without advanced quilting skills can create precise and intricate designs.
The basic technique of EPP involves cutting paper templates into shapes such as diamonds, hexagons, or triangles. The fabric is then cut to fit around the template with a seam allowance added. The fabric pieces are basted around the paper templates, and then sewn together using a whipstitch or ladder stitch.
EPP allows for endless design possibilities, from simple geometric shapes to more complex designs with curves and angles. The technique also allows for fussy cutting, a technique where specific parts of a fabric print can be cut and placed precisely in a quilt block.
Once all of the pieces are sewn together, the paper templates are removed, and the quilt top can be finished with batting and a backing fabric. The quilting stitches can be done by hand or machine.
One of the benefits of EPP is that it is a slow and meditative process that can be enjoyed at one’s own pace. It also allows quilters to use up scraps of fabric and create unique and personalized designs.
EPP has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, with modern quilters putting their own spin on traditional designs. Some modern quilters use EPP as a way to create bold and graphic designs, while others use the technique as a way to create intricate and detailed designs.
English Paper Piecing is a traditional quilting technique that has stood the test of time. It allows quilters to create intricate designs using simple shapes and techniques. With its portability and meditative qualities, EPP is a popular choice for quilters of all skill levels. Whether creating traditional or modern designs, EPP is a versatile and rewarding technique for any quilter to try.
Examples of finished products
Hexagon Quilt: A hexagon quilt is one of the most popular projects made using EPP. The hexagons can be arranged in various patterns to create a unique and stunning design. The finished product can be used as a wall hanging, throw blanket, or even a bedspread.
Tote Bag: EPP can also be used to create beautiful and functional tote bags. The hexagon shapes can be arranged in a random or specific pattern to create a one-of-a-kind design. The tote bag can be lined with fabric and finished with handles and a closure.
Pillow Cover: EPP can also be used to create a beautiful and intricate pillow cover. The shapes can be arranged to create a specific pattern, such as a flower or star, and the finished product can be used to add a pop of color and texture to any room.
Coasters: EPP can be used to create small projects as well, such as coasters. The hexagon shapes can be sewn together to create a coaster, and the finished product can be backed with felt or cork to protect surfaces.
Wall Hanging: EPP can also be used to create a beautiful and intricate wall hanging. The shapes can be arranged to create a specific design or left in a random pattern. The finished product can be framed or hung using a dowel or rod.
How to get started with English Paper Piecing
Supplies: The supplies you need to get started with EPP quilting are simple and few. You’ll need paper templates, fabric, a needle, thread, and scissors.
Paper Templates: You can purchase pre-cut paper templates or print them out from a template book or online. Some popular shapes for EPP are hexagons, diamonds, and triangles. Templates can be made of a variety of materials, including cardstock, freezer paper, or specialty EPP papers.
Fabric: EPP is a great way to use up fabric scraps, but you can also use pre-cut fabric squares or yardage. Choose fabrics with different colors, patterns, and textures to add interest to your EPP design.
Tracing and Cutting: Trace your paper template onto the wrong side of your fabric using a pencil or fabric marker. Leave a seam allowance of about ¼ inch around the edges of the template. Cut out the fabric pieces using scissors or a rotary cutter.
Basting: To baste your fabric pieces to the paper template, center the fabric over the template and fold the seam allowance over the edge of the paper. Secure the fabric with a few stitches or use a glue stick or double-sided tape. Repeat this process for each fabric piece until your template is completely covered.
Sewing: Once you have several pieces basted, you can begin sewing them together. Hold two pieces of fabric with right sides facing each other, and sew them together using a whipstitch or ladder stitch. Continue adding pieces until your design is complete.
Removing the Paper: Once your EPP design is complete, carefully remove the basting stitches and the paper templates. You can reuse the templates for future projects.
Finishing: Once the paper templates are removed, you can finish your EPP quilt top with batting and a backing fabric. You can choose to hand quilt or machine quilt your finished quilt.
Overall, EPP quilting is a fun and relaxing craft that allows you to create intricate and beautiful designs. With just a few basic supplies and a little patience, you can create stunning EPP projects that are sure to impress.
English paper piecing kits
EPP kits are a great way to get started with English Paper Piecing or to try out a new design without having to source all of the supplies yourself. EPP kits typically include pre-cut paper templates, fabric, and sometimes even needles and thread. Some kits also come with instructions or a pattern to follow. EPP kits can be found online or in specialty quilting shops, and they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs. Kits can range from simple and beginner-friendly to more complex and advanced. EPP kits are a great way to get started with EPP quilting or to try out a new design without having to invest in all of the supplies upfront.
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Types of english paper piecing patterns
English Paper Piecing (EPP) is a versatile quilting technique that allows for endless design possibilities. While hexagon patterns are perhaps the most well-known, there are many other shapes and designs that can be used in EPP. Here are a few types of EPP patterns:
Diamond Patterns: Diamond patterns use diamond-shaped templates to create unique and intricate designs. Diamonds can be arranged in a variety of ways, including in rows or in a star pattern. Diamond patterns can be simple or complex, depending on the number of diamonds used and the arrangement of colors.
Flower Patterns: Flower patterns use petal-shaped templates to create beautiful floral designs. These patterns can be simple, with just a few petals, or more complex, with many petals arranged in a specific pattern. Flower patterns can be made with a variety of fabrics, creating a vibrant and colorful design.
Triangle Patterns: Triangle patterns use triangle-shaped templates to create geometric designs. Triangles can be arranged in rows or in more complex designs, such as chevrons or diamonds. These patterns can be made with just two colors, or with a variety of colors to create a scrappy look.
Appliqué Patterns: Appliqué patterns use EPP shapes as a base to create a design that is then appliquéd onto a background fabric. This technique allows for a wider range of design possibilities, as the shapes can be arranged and combined in various ways to create a unique and personalized design.
Improvisational Patterns: Improvisational patterns are created without a specific plan or pattern. Quilters use their creativity and intuition to arrange shapes and fabrics in a unique and one-of-a-kind design. These patterns can be made with a variety of shapes and sizes, allowing for complete creative freedom.
English Paper Piecing hexagon patterns:
Hexagons are one of the most popular shapes used in English Paper Piecing, and there are countless ways to arrange them to create unique and stunning designs. Here are a few types of hexagon patterns used in EPP:
Grandmother’s Flower Garden: This is perhaps the most well-known hexagon pattern in EPP. It features a central hexagon surrounded by six smaller hexagons to create a flower-like design. The hexagons are typically made using a variety of colorful fabrics to create a scrappy look.
Star Patterns: Hexagons can be arranged in a star pattern to create a stunning and intricate design. Common star patterns include the Six-Pointed Star, Diamond Star, and Lone Star. These patterns often incorporate other shapes, such as diamonds and triangles, to create a more complex design.
Tumbling Blocks: This pattern uses hexagons to create the illusion of tumbling blocks. The hexagons are arranged in rows of alternating colors to create a three-dimensional effect. This pattern can be made with just two colors, or with a variety of colors to create a more scrappy look.
Rosette Patterns: Rosette patterns use hexagons to create circular designs. These patterns typically use a variety of colors and fabrics to create a vibrant and eye-catching design. Rosette patterns can be simple or complex, depending on the number of hexagons used and the arrangement of colors.
Millefiori Quilts: Millefiori quilts use hexagons in a unique way, creating a kaleidoscopic effect that resembles the art of millefiori glass. These quilts often feature a wide range of fabrics and colors, arranged in a specific pattern to create a stunning and intricate design.
Overall, hexagon patterns are a versatile and popular choice for EPP quilting. Whether creating a simple Grandmother’s Flower Garden or a complex Millefiori quilt, hexagons offer endless design possibilities and allow quilters to create unique and beautiful quilts.
English paper piecing free patterns
Downloadable free patterns
If you want to cut out your own, here are some patterns to print out. We recommend printing it on thick cardstock and cutting it out with a scissor right on the line. It is best to confirm the size as printed is to scale with a ruler or tape measure after printing. Every printer is a little different and sometimes it can print skewed in one dimension or another.
We have included a simple 1 page printout with various sizes of Hexagons, Triangles, and diamonds
If after cutting out a few, you realize you would rather be quilting or cutting fabirc instead, check out these precut papers for EPP:
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