How to: English Paper Piecing - Mastering the Basics of Traditional Quilting

English Paper Piecing, or EPP, is a traditional quilting technique known for its accuracy and precision. With EPP, fabric is wrapped around paper shapes and then hand-sewn together, often to create intricate patterns. It is notably different from machine piecing, and it allows quilters to work with small pieces and complex designs that might be too difficult to sew with a machine. This method is portable, making it a great project to take on the go.

One of the appeals of English Paper Piecing is its meditative and slow-paced nature. It requires patience and attention to detail, but the results are often stunning and greatly rewarding. Whether you're interested in creating small projects like coasters and pillowcases or larger quilts, EPP can be adapted to fit any size project. It also allows for immense personalisation, as pieces can come in various shapes and sizes, from hexagons to diamonds and beyond.

Key Takeaways

• EPP is a hand-sewing method that wraps fabric around paper for precision quilting.
• It is excellent for intricate designs and portable projects.
• The technique fosters creativity and personalisation in quilting.

Getting Started

In English Paper Piecing (EPP), starting correctly is crucial for a successful project. We'll cover the initial steps to orient you in the right direction.

Gather Your Supplies and Materials

Firstly, it's essential to assemble the right tools and materials:

• Fabric: Choose lightweight and easy-to-fold cotton.
• Paper templates: Commercially available or homemade.
• Needle: A sharp, fine needle (size 10 or 11).
• Thread: Strong, cotton thread in a neutral colour.
• Scissors: Fabric scissors and a pair of paper snips.
• Glue pen (optional): For securing fabric to templates.
• Sewing supplies: Pins, thimbles, and a seam ripper.

Choose a Template

Select a template that matches your skill level and the complexity of the design you wish to create. Templates can be found in various shapes, including hexagons, diamonds, triangles, and squares. Ensure the size of the template is suitable for the detail of the pattern you're aiming for.

Prepare the Templates

Cut out your paper templates ensuring precision for uniformity in your EPP project. If using pre-cut templates, verify they are all the same size and shape. If reusing templates, they must remain intact and sturdy for subsequent uses.

Assembling Your Pieces

When assembling your English Paper Piecing (EPP) project, accurate fabric cutting and precise folding are vital for a beautiful outcome. We'll guide you through each step ensuring your pieces fit together perfectly.

Cut Your Fabric

Firstly, we must cut the fabric. Ensure you use a sharp pair of scissors or a rotary cutter for clean edges. For each shape, add approximately 1/4 inch seam allowance all around the paper template size. Use a template or ruler for consistency.

Attach the Template to the Fabric

Next, centre the paper template on the wrong side of the fabric cut-out, ensuring an even seam allowance. Secure it in place using a fabric glue stick or a small piece of masking tape. Make sure the template is firmly attached but still removable after basting.

Fold Your Fabric Around the Template

Carefully fold the fabric's seam allowance over the edges of the paper template, creating crisp edges. Use your fingers or a folding tool to make sharp folds. Ensure the fabric is taut and smooth against the paper for best results.

Baste Your Pieces

Finally, we baste the fabric to the paper template. You can choose between thread basting or glue basting. If thread basting, use a single thread and small stitches to temporarily hold the fabric in place. For glue basting, apply a thin layer of glue along the fabric edge, then press firmly around the template.

Sewing Process

In English Paper Piecing (EPP), the sewing process is as precise as it is rewarding, allowing for complex patterns to emerge. It involves stitching fabric to paper templates and then piecing them together to create a desired design.

Sew the Pieces Together

We begin by placing two fabric-covered templates right sides together, ensuring the edges align perfectly. With a fine needle and thread, we take small stitches at the corners, securing the pieces without sewing through the paper. Our stitches are approximately 2mm in length and evenly spaced for a strong seam.

Continue Sewing

We attach additional pieces in the same manner, always checking for alignment and accuracy as we go. It's essential to maintain the fabric's tension to avoid puckering, but we do not pull too tight. A gentle, even approach works best to ensure the pieces lie flat when opened.

Remove the Paper Templates

Once several pieces are joined and the fabric is holding its shape, we carefully remove the paper templates. This step is done by gently folding back the fabric along the seams and easing the paper out. We ensure not to disturb the stitching, which should remain intact for a firm hold.

Finishing Touches

Before adding the final touches to your English Paper Piecing (EPP) project, ensure that all the pieces are securely basted and joined with care.

Finish Your Project

After meticulously joining your EPP shapes, press your work to ensure a crisp, flat finish. Carefully remove the basting stitches and paper templates if they haven't been removed already. If your project is destined to become a quilt, prepare the quilt sandwich. Lay your EPP top over a layer of batting and a layer of backing fabric. Baste these layers together using your preferred method, such as thread basting, pin basting, or using adhesive sprays.

Stitch through all three layers, starting from the centre of the quilt and working your way outwards. This process, known as quilting, adds durability and texture. For a blanket or throw, you may use a less dense quilting pattern, whereas decorative items like wall hangings or table runners might benefit from more intricate stitching.

Once the quilting is complete, trim excess from the batting and backing to align with your EPP top. It is then essential to bind the edges for a neat finish. Cut strips of fabric for the binding, join them end-to-end, and press them in half lengthwise. Sew the binding to the front of the quilt, fold it over to the back, and hand stitch for a traditional look or machine stitch for speed and durability.

For other EPP projects like cushions or bags, after removing the papers and pressing, follow the assembly instructions, ensuring you include features like zippers or handles as required. Your EPP project is now complete and ready to be showcased or gifted with pride.