Discover the Must-Have English Paper Piecing Supplies for Your Next Project

English paper piecing (EPP) is a quilting technique that has been around for centuries. It is a great way to create intricate and detailed quilts, and beginners can do it. EPP is a very addictive and gratifying quilting technique. The results are stunning! In this blog post, we will discuss what EPP is and what English paper piecing supplies you need to get started!

My sister-in-law introduced me to English paper piecing. 

I’m so glad she did because I fell in love with it!

If you are looking for a fun, easy, and portable hobby, then you will love English Paper Piecing!

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History of English Paper Piecing

EPP has been around for centuries and is thought to have originated in Europe. It was popularized in the United States in the mid-1800s and became very popular during the 1930s and 1940s.

Many beautiful quilts were made using this technique, and some are on display at museums worldwide! The most popular English paper pieced quilt pattern is the Grandmother’s Flower Garden.

What is English Paper Piecing?

EPP is a method of piecing fabric together that has been wrapped around paper templates.

The most common shape used is the hexagon. The material is basted with thread or glued to the paper template and then sewn together by hand.

Once the shape has been stitched on all sides, remove the paper template. The beauty of English paper piecing is that there is no waste!

It’s a great way to use up your scraps!

English Paper Piecing Supplies

One benefit of English paper piecing is you don’t need a sewing machine. EPP is all done by hand and is portable.

I like to take my EPP with me when I travel or go on vacation. I can piece fabrics together anywhere!

You will need a few supplies to get started with English paper piecing.

• – Fabric or Scraps in various colors and prints
• – Paper Templates (You can make your own or purchase pre-made templates)
• – Quilting Thread
• – Sewing Needle
• –Thimble
• –Glue
• –Scissors
• –Rotary Cutter
• –Pin Cushion
• –Cutting Mat
• –Storage Bag
• –Lamp
• –Seam Ripper
• –Clips
• –Bobbins
• –Ruler
• –English Paper Piecing Books

Fabric for English Paper Piecing

I buy fabric quicker than I can use it.

There are many beautiful fabrics in the market by popular designers like Tula Pink. She’s exceptional, by the way, and has some gorgeous prints and English paper piecing patterns.

What I love about English paper piecing is you can use those small bits of scraps that you may have saved. It’s a great stash scrap-buster project!

I use 100% cotton fabrics because they are easy to work with.

You can pre-wash your fabric or not. It’s up to you. I have done both and have had no issues.

If you are using a variety of colors and prints, I would recommend washing all your fabric to prevent color bleeding. I use these too!

Paper Templates for English Paper Piecing

English Paper Piecing Templates are the cornerstone of creating precise and uniform shapes in the art of English paper piecing.

These templates, often made from sturdy materials like cardstock or plastic, act as guides for cutting and assembling fabric pieces. They come in a myriad of shapes – from classic hexagons and diamonds to more intricate forms like stars and flowers – allowing for endless creativity in design.

You can make your shapes or purchase them. I prefer purchasing them to save time. You can find many shapes and sizes online.

I have made them with my Cricut, and I’ve also seen people use a die-cutter.

Thread for EPP

You will use thread (if you choose to thread baste, I prefer glue) to baste your fabric onto your shapes and hand sew your shapes together.

Many people purchase color packs of thread like this one, and they match the color of the fabric with thread.

When sewing your quilt this way, you will have to change your thread color and thread needles more often.

I prefer to purchase neutral colors to save time and money!

This thread is a dream to work with. I highly recommend it!

Bobbins

To make your EPP more travel-friendly, many people will store their thread on bobbins. If you have various thread colors, this is great for storing them!

Sewing Needles

There are so many needle choices available on the market.

You will need a sharp needle to glide through the fabric easily. These are the ones I prefer.

If you struggle with threading needles, you may want to purchase a needle threader.

You will also need clips to hold your pieces together while you sew. This will reduce hand fatigue while sewing.

Thimble

Some people like to use a thimble when sewing. There are many thimbles out there to choose from. Here is the classic style many people use. When I use a thimble, I prefer this one!

I love these to help me grip the needle. I often don’t use a thimble often when English paper piecing but you won’t catch me sewing without the silicone needle pullers.

Glue

As I stated earlier, you can thread baste or glue baste.

I prefer glue basting. It’s easy and saves time. Do you see a common theme here? I’m all about saving time! This is the one I use!

Scissors

For English paper piecing, I recommend small sharp scissors. These are my go-to pair because they are easy to hold and make precise cuts. They are great for trimming small bits of fabric or snipping threads.

I also have this pair. They are great for snipping threads and traveling with.

You’ll also want a pair of scissors specifically to use paper. This pair of scissors was recommended by a lady on a Facebook group I belong to. She’s had her pair for 16 years!

You will also want a seam ripper for when you accidentally sew your pieces on wrong. Ask me how I know? lol!

Rotary Cutter

A rotary cutter will make quick work of cutting your fabric into shapes. I love mine and use it all the time!

I prefer this size because it’s perfect for cutting out smaller pieces/fabric shapes.

Ruler

I discovered this ruler when I started EPP. It fits perfectly in my travel bag (I purchased the 6″). What I love about it is that it has a 1/4 inch seam allowance built in. This ruler will add a seam allowance to any straight angle and provide a straight edge for your rotary cutter.

Cutting Mat

You will need a self-healing mat to go with your rotary cutter. This is the one I have. It’s small and is like a lazy susan. It’s another time-saver and fits in your lap.

I also have this one and it fits perfectly in this bag. I use it when I’m traveling.

Lamp

When you start cutting, basting, and sewing, you will realize how important good lighting is.

You will want to have a lamp close by so you can see what you’re doing. This is the one I use, and I love it! It’s bright and has various settings to adjust the brightness.

Storage Bag/Containers

Once you begin collecting supplies, you will need somewhere to store them.

I have a tote I store my supplies in, and I have a smaller tote I use to store my basted hexagons in.

I also like to repurpose and use the clear zipper bags that sheets, blankets, and comforters come in. They make great storage bags.

I have this bag I use for when I want to take my English paper with me when I travel. Some people even decorate their bags with beadwork or embroidery!

The Yazzi bag will hold all your English paper piecing supplies. It’s perfect for working on your quilt on the go.

English Paper Piecing Supplies

EPP supplies can be a personal choice, and the items I’ve shared above are my favorites. Some were recommended to me by long-time EPP quilters, while others have been products I’ve used for sewing over the years.

As you begin your journey into paper piecing – find out what works best over time; there will always be new discoveries made along the way.

English paper piecing is a great way to quilt, and it’s easy to learn. With just a few supplies, you can be on your way to creating beautiful quilts. Have fun and happy quilting!

P.S. What are some of your favorite EPP supplies? Do you have any storage suggestions or ideas? Please share we’d love to learn what your favorites are!