Techniques

English Paper Piecing (EPP)

A hand-piecing technique where fabric is wrapped around paper templates and whipstitched together.

English paper piecing (EPP) is a slow-stitch technique in which fabric is basted or glued around stiff paper templates, then the wrapped pieces are whipstitched together by hand. Because the paper templates hold the exact shape during construction, EPP enables precise assembly of shapes that are difficult to machine piece: hexagons, diamonds, clamshells, and tumbling blocks. Grandmother's Flower Garden is the most iconic EPP pattern. The papers are removed before quilting. EPP is highly portable and beloved by hand-stitching enthusiasts.

Related Terms

Grandmother's Flower GardenA classic all-over hexagon pattern with flowers made from rings of colored hexagons around a center hexagon.Tumbling BlocksAn optical illusion pattern using three diamonds in light, medium, and dark to create the appearance of three-dimensional cubes.Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP)A precision piecing method where fabric is sewn directly onto a printed paper pattern, enabling very accurate points and angles.

Practice makes perfect.

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