English Paper Piecing Supplies

Discover the Art of English Paper Piecing

English Paper Piecing, commonly called EPP, is a traditional hand-sewing technique that uses precisely shaped paper templates to create beautifully accurate patchwork designs. Fabric is folded and basted around individual paper pieces, then stitched together to form everything from classic hexagon flowers to intricate geometric quilts.

Loved by quilters for generations, English Paper Piecing is especially appealing because it's portable, relaxing, and requires no sewing machine. Whether you're stitching at home, traveling, or enjoying time with friends, EPP makes it easy to take your quilting projects wherever you go.

English Paper Piecing Papers and Acrylic Cutting Templates

The right tools make English Paper Piecing easier and more enjoyable. Pre-cut paper pieces provide a foundation for consistent shapes, while coordinating acrylic cutting templates help you cut fabric accurately with the appropriate seam allowance.

Acrylic templates are particularly helpful for fussy cutting, allowing you to showcase favorite fabric motifs and create beautifully coordinated designs. From traditional hexagons and diamonds to more intricate geometric shapes, English Paper Piecing offers endless creative possibilities.

When choosing your supplies, be sure to select paper pieces and acrylic cutting templates in matching shapes and sizes for the best results.

Learn English Paper Piecing with Free Video Tutorials

New to English Paper Piecing or looking for your next creative project? Shabby Fabrics offers seven free instructional video tutorials to help you explore this timeless quilting technique!

Follow along with Jen as she demonstrates beautiful handmade projects, including charming pincushions, Hexi Honeycomb designs, decorative ornaments, and intricate kaleidoscope patterns. These tutorials offer inspiration for preparing fabric shapes, working with paper templates, and bringing your EPP projects to life.

Explore our tutorials below:

• How to Make a Bee Happy Pin Cushion

• How to Make a Tenderness Pincushion

• How to Make a Hexi Honeycomb Flag

• How to Make a Hexi Honeycomb Quilt with Pattern

• DIY English Paper Pieced Ornaments

• Kaleidoscope English Paper Piecing Pattern Instructional Video

• No Hand-Sewing English Paper Piecing

You can even explore an alternative technique that creates the English Paper Piecing look without traditional hand stitching!

Browse All English Paper Piecing Video Tutorials

Choosing Fabrics for English Paper Piecing

One of the most enjoyable parts of English Paper Piecing is selecting fabrics that bring your design to life! Quilting cottons are an excellent choice because they're easy to fold, baste, and stitch around paper shapes.

Small-scale prints, florals, solids, and coordinating fabric collections work beautifully for hexagon quilts and geometric patchwork. English Paper Piecing is also a wonderful way to use leftover fabric scraps or showcase favorite prints through fussy cutting.

Whether you prefer soft, traditional colors or bold, modern combinations, your fabric choices can make every EPP project uniquely yours.

Create Beautiful Christmas Projects with English Paper Piecing

Add a handmade touch to your holiday decorating with English Paper Piecing! From festive ornaments and Christmas quilts to charming pincushions and thoughtful handmade gifts, EPP is a wonderful way to showcase your favorite seasonal fabrics.

Get inspired with our DIY English Paper Pieced Ornaments tutorial, then choose your favorite paper shapes and coordinating acrylic cutting templates to get started.

Once you've selected your shapes, explore our beautiful selection of Christmas fabrics to bring your project to life! Choose festive prints, traditional holiday colors, and coordinating fabrics to create one-of-a-kind decorations and treasured handmade gifts.

Getting Started with English Paper Piecing

You don't need an elaborate sewing setup to begin English Paper Piecing! Start with pre-cut paper templates, coordinating fabric, a hand-sewing needle, thread, and your preferred basting method.

Simply cut your fabric with enough seam allowance to fold around the paper shape, secure the edges with glue or thread basting, and stitch your prepared pieces together. As your confidence grows, explore different shapes, more intricate designs, and larger projects.

Whether you're creating your first hexagon flower or planning an heirloom quilt, Shabby Fabrics is here to help you discover the supplies, inspiration, and instructional resources to enjoy every stitch.