Every quilter knows the joy of a growing scrap pile—those treasured little pieces of fabric that are too lovely to part with. English Paper Piecing is the perfect way to give those precious scraps a beautiful new purpose. This hand-piecing technique is ideal for working with small cuts of fabric, allowing you to create a stunning mosaic from your favorite leftover prints. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to practice fussy cutting, where you carefully cut your fabric to highlight a specific motif. By choosing from the many available English paper piecing patterns for beginners, you can transform your most beloved scraps into a gorgeous project that tells a unique story with every piece.

Key Takeaways

• ➤Paper Templates are the Secret to Precision: By basting fabric around paper shapes before you sew, you ensure every piece is uniform. This simple prep step is what makes it easy to achieve sharp points and perfectly matched seams, even with tricky shapes.
• ➤Start with a Small Project for a Big Win: Choose a manageable first project, like an ornament or table runner, using simple shapes like hexagons. Completing a small item quickly builds your confidence and helps you fall in love with the process.
• ➤Embrace the "Slow Sewing" Journey: English Paper Piecing is a wonderfully portable and meditative craft. Don't rush the process; instead, enjoy the relaxing rhythm of hand stitching and the satisfaction of watching your project come together one piece at a time.

What is English Paper Piecing?

If you’ve ever admired a quilt with perfectly matched points and intricate hexagon patterns and thought, “I could never do that,” we have wonderful news! You absolutely can, and the secret is a delightful technique called English Paper Piecing, or EPP for short. Think of it as a time-tested method of hand-sewing that uses paper templates to create incredibly precise shapes. It’s a bit like mosaic work, but with fabric! By wrapping your fabric around a paper shape before stitching, you ensure every piece is uniform, making assembly a breeze.

This classic technique has been loved by quilters for centuries because it turns complex designs into manageable, meditative projects. It’s the perfect take-along craft for stitching on the go, whether you’re waiting at an appointment or enjoying a quiet evening at home. With just a few simple tools, you can create stunning blocks with crisp edges and flawless seams. It’s a wonderful way to slow down, enjoy the process of working with your hands, and create a true heirloom piece. Getting started is easy with our wide selection of English Paper Piecing supplies. Unlike traditional machine piecing, EPP gives you complete control over every stitch, allowing you to create intricate designs with confidence. The paper acts as a temporary stabilizer, so you don't have to worry about fabric stretching or shifting as you work. It's a forgiving method that welcomes beginners with open arms while still offering endless possibilities for experienced quilters.

The Magic Behind EPP

The real charm of English Paper Piecing lies in its simplicity. The paper templates are the star of the show, acting as a sturdy guide for your fabric. This little bit of structure is what guarantees that every single piece is the exact size and shape it needs to be. You simply baste your fabric around the paper, and then whipstitch the folded edges of your pieces together. Because you’re sewing along firm paper edges instead of stretchy fabric ones, everything lines up beautifully. Once a shape is fully surrounded by other pieces, you can pop the paper out and use it again!

Why You'll Love EPP

There are so many reasons to fall for this lovely hand-sewing method. First and foremost is the incredible accuracy. EPP makes it simple to tackle shapes that can be tricky on a machine, like hexagons and diamonds, resulting in sharp points and perfect intersections every time. It’s also a wonderfully relaxing and portable hobby. The gentle, repetitive motions are calming, and since you don’t need a machine, you can easily pack a small project bag and quilt anywhere. It’s also a fantastic way to use up your favorite fabric scraps and turn them into a beautiful, precise masterpiece. Many quilters find their first EPP project in a beginner-friendly quilt kit.

Gather Your EPP Toolkit

Before diving into your first English Paper Piecing project, it’s a great idea to gather a few trusty tools. Having everything you need on hand makes the process smooth, relaxing, and so much more fun! You don’t need a lot to get started, just a few key items that will make your stitching journey a breeze. From delightful fabrics to the perfect needle and thread, we’ll walk you through building a toolkit that sets you up for success. With these supplies by your side, you’ll be ready to create beautiful, precise patchwork with confidence.

Want a head start? The Missouri Star EPP Beginner Kit packs all the essentials into one adorable, travel-ready case. Just grab it and go!

Choose the Perfect Fabrics

The heart of any quilt is the fabric, and EPP is the perfect opportunity to play with prints and colors you absolutely adore. Since you’ll be working with these little pieces up close, choose fabrics that make you smile! Quilting cotton is a fantastic choice because it’s stable and easy to handle. EPP is also a wonderful way to use up precious scraps from other projects, giving them a beautiful new purpose. Fussy cutting, or cutting your fabric to feature a specific motif, is especially fun with EPP, allowing you to create stunning kaleidoscopic effects with your favorite patterns.

Prep Your Paper Pieces

Getting your pieces ready is a key step in the EPP process. It all starts with your paper templates. You’ll need to cut your fabric slightly larger than your paper shape—a quarter-inch seam allowance is standard. Once your fabric is cut, you’ll center the paper template on the wrong side of the fabric. The next step is to secure the fabric edges around the paper piece. This is called basting, and it’s what holds everything in place while you stitch. You can find pre-cut paper pieces in all sorts of shapes, which saves a ton of time and ensures perfect accuracy.

The Great Basting Debate: Glue vs. Thread

When it comes to basting, quilters often have a favorite method: glue or thread. There’s no right or wrong answer, so it’s a great idea to try both and see what feels best for you. Glue basting is quick and easy; a simple swipe of a fabric-safe glue pen along the edges of the paper template is all it takes to secure the fabric. Thread basting is the more traditional method, where you use a needle and thread to make long stitches that hold the fabric folds down. It’s very secure but takes a little more time.

Pick Your Needle and Thread

The final items for your toolkit are a great needle and thread for stitching your basted pieces together. A fine, sharp needle will make all the difference, allowing you to glide through the fabric folds with ease. Many EPP fans love using milliner's needles because they are long and flexible. For thread, choose something strong but fine, like a 50wt or 80wt cotton thread, in a neutral color that will blend in with your fabrics. This combination will help you create tiny, nearly invisible stitches that bring your beautiful EPP shapes together seamlessly.

Find the Perfect First Pattern

Choosing your very first English Paper Piecing pattern is like picking the first square for a quilt—it sets the tone for the whole project! It’s so exciting to scroll through all the beautiful designs, dreaming of the finished product. But with so many options, it can also feel a little overwhelming. The secret to a happy first EPP experience is to choose a pattern that sets you up for success. Starting with something manageable will help you learn the rhythm of the stitches and fall in love with the process, rather than getting tangled up in frustration. It’s all about finding that sweet spot between a design you adore and a project that feels approachable.

Think of your first project as a fun learning adventure. You’re not trying to create a complex masterpiece right out of the gate. Instead, you’re building foundational skills and, most importantly, having a good time! Look for patterns designed specifically for beginners. These will guide you gently through the steps and help you build confidence with every stitch. By focusing on simple shapes, smaller projects, and clear instructions, you’ll create something you’re proud of and be ready to tackle more intricate designs in no time. Ready to find your perfect match? Let’s look at what makes a great beginner pattern.

Start with Simple Shapes

When you're just starting, simple shapes are your best friends. Think of shapes with straight sides and fewer points to match up, like hexagons, diamonds, or even squares. Good beginner quilts often use hexagons because they are such a classic and forgiving shape. They nestle together beautifully, creating that lovely honeycomb pattern without a lot of fuss. Starting with a simple shape allows you to focus on mastering the basics, like getting your basting just right and practicing a neat, even whipstitch. You can find tons of wonderful beginner-friendly patterns that turn these simple shapes into stunning designs, proving you don’t need complexity to create something truly beautiful.

Think Small for a Big Win

While a king-sized quilt is an admirable goal, it might not be the best place to start your EPP journey. Beginning with a smaller project is a fantastic way to get a feel for the technique without a huge time commitment. Plus, smaller blocks are often easier to hold and manage as you stitch. A project like a mug rug, a pincushion, a decorative pillow, or a table runner can be completed relatively quickly, giving you that wonderful sense of accomplishment that fuels your creative fire. This "quick win" builds momentum and confidence, making you excited to pick up your needle for the next project. It’s all about enjoying the process, and a small, sweet finish is the perfect way to do just that.

Look for Clear Instructions

A well-written pattern is like having a quilting buddy sitting right beside you, cheering you on. As a beginner, you want to look for patterns that come with clear, detailed, and easy-to-follow instructions. The best beginner patterns include plenty of diagrams or photos to show you exactly what to do at each step, from basting your fabric to joining your pieces. Some even come with links to video tutorials! Don’t be shy about seeking out patterns that offer plenty of guidance. Having a reliable guide to follow removes the guesswork, letting you relax and enjoy the mindful act of stitching. Our library of free quilting tutorials is a great place to find helpful tips and visual guides to support you from start to finish.

Our Favorite EPP Patterns for Beginners

Ready to stitch up your first EPP masterpiece? Picking the right pattern can make all the difference. A great beginner project uses simple shapes and clear instructions to help you build confidence one stitch at a time. It’s all about finding that sweet spot between a fun challenge and a relaxing, portable project. We’ve gathered a few of our favorite types of patterns that are perfect for getting started. These designs will have you falling in love with the process and creating something beautiful right from the get-go. Let's find the perfect project to begin your EPP adventure!

EPP Ornaments

If you’re looking for the perfect entry point into English Paper Piecing, EPP ornaments are a fantastic way to let your holiday decorating take shape! These small-scale projects are beginner-friendly and incredibly satisfying to finish. You can follow along with a free tutorial from Misty on At Home With Misty, where she uses the charming Christmas in Quilt Town fabric to create adorable ornaments that add a festive touch to your tree, windows, or anywhere needing a bit of Christmas cheer. For even more inspiration, check out this free blog tutorial from Amy Latta Designs, which offers another wonderful way to bring handmade elegance to your holiday season!

Heirloom Blooms Baby Quilt

Once you’ve mastered the basics of EPP, you can graduate to a project that is sure to become a cherished heirloom! Creating a beautiful baby quilt is a fantastic way to practice your skills, and the Heirloom Blooms Baby Quilt uses large hexagons to form darling flower shapes. In her tutorial, Misty demonstrates how simple this hand-sewing technique can be, especially since the blocks are a comfortable, manageable size to hold. Because the design allows you to skip the stress of matching tricky points in the center, you can focus entirely on perfecting your stitches and exploring how your favorite prints interact.

EPP Flower Wallhanging

If you’re ready to dive deeper into the world of English Paper Piecing, Misty offers plenty of ways to expand your skills with this fun and meditative craft! Whether you’re a total novice or looking for fresh inspiration, you can follow along as Misty uses the Missouri Star EPP Beginner’s Kit to create a pretty flower wall hanging. From precisely cutting your fabric and basting your shapes to seamlessly sewing them together, she’ll show you exactly how to transform simple hexagons into beautifully pieced projects that showcase your favorite prints.

Frosted Blooms EPP Pillow

Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, building on your basic EPP skills is the perfect way to take your craft to the next level by introducing a variety of shapes into your designs. In this beginner-friendly project, Misty introduces the Frosted Blooms EPP Pillow, using Missouri Star templates and festive fabrics to create a stunning 18" finished piece. She guides you through the creative process of fussy cutting, showing you how to highlight charming images as focal points within your work. While the Frosted Blooms design is a holiday favorite, don’t feel limited to the winter season—simply swap the fabric to create a beautiful, custom pillow for any time of year!

Palette Pop Quilt

Feeling confident and ready for a slightly bigger challenge? The Palette Pop Quilt is an excellent next step in your EPP Journey. While it’s the most complex pattern on this list, Misty makes it entirely approachable by walking you through the project from start to finish! This stunning quilt combines hexagons, stars, and flowers, using vibrant Tula Pink fabrics to create a serious "wow" factor. With Missouri Star EPP templates to keep things simple and fun, you can follow along with the full Palette Pop video series to master every detail and finish this masterpiece with ease.

➤Palette Pop Episode 1: EPP Basics

➤Palette Pop Episode 2: Machine Piecing 

➤Palette Pop Episode 3: Piecing the Center

➤Palette Pop Episode 4: Piecing a Ring of Stars

➤Palette Pop Episode 5: Piecing the Corners and Finishing an EPP Quilt

How to Prep Your Fabric for Piecing

Getting your fabric ready is where the English Paper Piecing magic truly begins! This is the quiet, thoughtful part of the process where you prepare all your little shapes before stitching them together. Taking the time to cut, place, and baste your fabric carefully ensures your final pieces will fit together perfectly, with the crisp edges and sharp points that make EPP so satisfying. It’s a wonderfully relaxing activity you can do while listening to a podcast or watching a movie. Let’s get those fabric pieces ready for their big debut!

Cut Your Fabric with Confidence

First things first, it’s time to cut! For EPP, you’ll want to cut your fabric slightly larger than your paper template, leaving about a ¼-inch to ⅜-inch seam allowance on all sides. This extra fabric is what you’ll fold over the paper piece. Some quilters love the precision of scissors, while others prefer the speed of a rotary cutter and a small mat. There are even special acrylic templates with the seam allowance built right in! Feel free to experiment and find the method that makes you feel the most comfortable and confident.

Place Your Templates Perfectly

Now for the fun part: deciding what part of your fabric to feature! This is your chance to play with pattern and color. You’ll cut fabric pieces slightly larger than your template, then center the paper piece right on top. This is especially delightful when you’re “fussy cutting,” a charming term for cutting fabric to highlight a specific motif, like a tiny flower or a cute character. You can center a paper hexagon over a single rose or position a diamond to capture a cool geometric line. This is how you make each piece a tiny masterpiece!

Master the Art of Basting

Basting is how you’ll temporarily secure the fabric to your paper template. There are two popular ways to do this, and it really comes down to personal preference: glue or thread. For glue basting, a simple fabric glue pen allows you to run a thin line of glue along the paper’s edge and press the fabric down. For thread basting, you’ll use a needle and thread to make a few large stitches through the fabric and paper to hold the seam allowance in place. We suggest trying both methods to see which one feels more natural to you.

Master These Essential EPP Stitches

Alright, your fabric is cut, your papers are basted, and you have a neat little pile of fabric-covered shapes. Now for the really fun part: watching your project come to life as you stitch those pieces together! It might seem like magic, but it all comes down to a few simple, sturdy stitches. Don't worry, you don't need to be a hand-stitching expert to get a beautiful result. With a little practice, you'll be joining pieces like a pro. Let's get you started with the most important stitch in your EPP toolkit.

The Wonderful Whipstitch

The whipstitch is the true hero of English Paper Piecing. It’s a fundamental stitch that joins your fabric pieces together seamlessly, and it’s essential for beginners to master. Why? Because it creates a strong and tidy finish for all your EPP projects. Think of it as a tiny, nearly invisible stitch that catches just the folded edges of two fabric pieces. You’ll hold your pieces with the right sides together and stitch along the edge, making sure your needle only goes through the fabric, not the paper template inside. The key is to keep your stitches small and evenly spaced for a pucker-free seam.

Join Your Pieces with Precision

Once you’re comfortable with the whipstitch, you can start connecting your shapes. After preparing your fabric-covered pieces, you’ll sew them together to form your pattern. Using the whipstitch ensures that your pieces are joined with precision and accuracy, which is what gives EPP its signature crisp look. To start, place two pieces right sides together, lining up the edges you want to join. After making a small knot at the end of your thread, you can hide it in the seam allowance. Then, simply whipstitch along the edge, catching a few threads from the fold of each piece. When you reach the end of a seam, you can add another piece and just keep stitching! This continuous stitching method is a real time-saver.

The Big Reveal: Remove Your Papers

Here comes one of the most satisfying moments in EPP: taking out the papers! Once a paper piece is completely surrounded and stitched to its neighbors on all sides, it’s time for it to go. The final step is to remove the paper templates, which reveals the beautiful fabric design you’ve created and allows your hard work to shine through. Gently peel back the fabric from a corner and pop the paper out. Some folks like to use a small tool, like a stiletto, to help lift the paper away. Be gentle so you don’t stretch your fabric. After the papers are out, you can give your project a good press to flatten the seams. Learning how to properly press your quilt blocks will make the final assembly a breeze.

Assemble Your EPP Project, Step-by-Step

This is where the real fun begins! With your fabric cut and your paper pieces basted, it’s time to bring your project to life. Assembling an English Paper Piecing project is like putting together a beautiful puzzle—one stitch at a time. The process is wonderfully meditative, and seeing your design take shape is so rewarding. Let's walk through how to join your pieces, build them into bigger sections, and manage those larger blocks with ease.

Connect Your First Pieces

Once your fabric is neatly wrapped around your paper templates, the next step is to join them. The most common and reliable stitch for this is the whipstitch. To start, place two basted pieces with their right sides together, lining up the edges you want to join. Using a fine needle and matching thread, you’ll stitch through the folded edges of the fabric, being careful not to catch the paper template inside. This foundational EPP technique is what holds everything together. Keep your stitches small and close for a nearly invisible seam. It might feel a bit awkward at first, but you'll find your groove!

Build Bigger Sections

After you’ve mastered joining two pieces, you can start building them into larger sections. Many quilters find it easiest to work in small, manageable units. For example, if you’re using hexagons, you might create several EPP Flower blocks and then join those blocks together. Starting with beginner-friendly quilts that use simple shapes is a fantastic way to build confidence. As you connect more pieces, your project will grow from a pile of tiny shapes into a recognizable part of your quilt. It’s so exciting to see it all come together!

Handle Large Blocks Like a Pro

As your project grows, you might find yourself working with larger sections. Don't fret! Handling these bigger pieces just takes a little practice. It can be tricky to hold and manipulate a large block while keeping your stitches neat. Using quilting clips to hold your pieces in place can be a huge help, preventing things from shifting. Some quilters also find it helpful to work on a lap desk to support the project's weight. Remember, EPP is a marathon, not a sprint. With a little patience, you’ll be able to master larger designs and create truly stunning quilts.

Where to Find EPP Patterns and Resources

One of the best parts of starting a new project is the thrill of the pattern hunt! Finding the perfect design can be just as exciting as picking out your fabric. Luckily, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get started with English Paper Piecing. The quilting world is full of generous designers and companies who share wonderful patterns and resources at a variety of price points, many of which are totally free! It’s a great way to try out a new skill, practice your stitches, and build your confidence before you decide to purchase a more complex pattern.

Missouri Star Quilt Co. EPP Pattern Collection

Discover a treasure trove of English Paper Piecing patterns and kits at Missouri Star! Whether you're just starting out or looking for a seasoned challenge, our collection features top-tier designs from industry favorites like Sue Daley, Legit Kits, Tula Pink, and Paper Pieces, alongside our own Missouri Star exclusives. Each pattern comes with clear instructions designed to spark your imagination and keep your stitching on track. For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, our YouTube channel acts as your personal, 24/7 quilting instructor. With hundreds of tutorials available, we’ll walk you through everything from the very first cut to the final binding, ensuring you have expert guidance every step of the way.

Paper Pieces Free Digital Patterns

When you’re ready to dive headfirst into the world of EPP, Paper Pieces is a wonderful resource. They specialize in pre-cut paper templates and offer an incredible library of free digital patterns on their website. With dozens of designs to choose from, you can download and print patterns right from home. This is a perfect way to experiment with different shapes and styles to see what you enjoy most. It’s like a pattern buffet where you can try a little bit of everything without any commitment! You can explore their offerings and find your next fun project in just a few clicks.

Online Quilting Communities and Tutorials

Sometimes the best resource is a friend who’s been there before. The online quilting community is a warm and welcoming place, filled with stitchers who are happy to share their knowledge. You can find quilting groups on social media where members post their projects, ask for advice, and cheer each other on. Video tutorials are also a goldmine for learning new techniques. Watching an expert demonstrate a stitch can make all the difference, and our own Palette Pop EPP tutorial series with Misty breaks down the basics in a fun, approachable way. It’s a great way to learn and connect with fellow quilting enthusiasts.

Avoid These Common First-Timer Stumbles

Every new adventure comes with a few learning curves, and English Paper Piecing is no different! But don't you worry—a little friendly advice can help you sidestep the most common hiccups. Think of these tips as a friendly map to guide you on your EPP journey, ensuring your first project is filled with more joy than frustration. With these pointers in your back pocket, you’ll be stitching up a storm in no time.

Get the Template Size Just Right

When you're just starting, the size of your paper pieces really matters. It can be tempting to go for tiny, intricate shapes, but they can be tricky to handle. On the other hand, very large pieces can be awkward to baste and stitch. A great starting point is a simple shape like a hexagon, about 1-1.5 inches in size. These are large enough to manage easily but small enough to give you that classic EPP look.

Choose Colors Without the Overwhelm

Walking into a fabric store is like being a kid in a candy shop, but choosing colors for a new project can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming! For your first EPP adventure, keep it simple. Consider how many different colors you'll need for each block. Limiting your palette to just a few coordinating shades can make the process much more relaxing. An even easier trick is to start with a precut fabric bundle, like a charm pack or jelly roll. The fabrics are already designed to work together beautifully, so you can skip the color-matching stress and get right to the fun part: stitching!

Enjoy the Process: A Note on Time

One of the most important things to remember is that EPP is a "slow sewing" method. It’s not about speed; it’s about the mindful, relaxing rhythm of creating something beautiful with your hands. So, pour a cup of tea, put on your favorite music, and settle in. Don't pressure yourself to finish your project in a weekend. EPP is wonderfully portable, making it the perfect on-the-go craft. Celebrate each little hexagon flower you create and enjoy the journey of watching your quilt top come to life, one stitch at a time.

Related Articles

• ➤The 5 Best English Paper Piecing Supplies You Need
• ➤English Paper Pieced Star Ornament
• ➤The Ultimate Guide to Floral Fabric Patterns
• ➤7 Tips for Finding Quilt Fabric on Sale
• ➤Color Commentary: The Quilter’s Guide to Choosing Colors with Confidence

Frequently Asked Questions

How is English Paper Piecing different from regular machine piecing?

Think of English Paper Piecing as the thoughtful, hand-sewn cousin to machine piecing. With EPP, you wrap fabric around paper templates before stitching, which gives you incredible precision, especially with tricky shapes like hexagons. Machine piecing is much faster, but EPP offers a relaxing, portable experience that gives you crisp points and perfect seams without the stress of lining everything up under a needle.

Do I really have to take the paper pieces out?

Yes, you definitely want to remove the paper templates! They are just a temporary guide to help you get those perfect shapes. The best time to remove a paper piece is after it has been completely stitched to other pieces on all of its sides. Once it's fully enclosed, it has done its job, and you can gently pop it out to reveal your beautiful fabric patchwork.

What exactly is “fussy cutting” and why is it so popular with EPP?

Fussy cutting is the delightful art of cutting your fabric to feature a specific image or pattern, rather than just cutting a random piece. For example, you might center your hexagon template perfectly over a single rose in a floral print. It’s especially popular with EPP because you're working with small pieces, and this technique allows you to create amazing secondary patterns, like kaleidoscopes, turning simple blocks into tiny works of art.

Does the type of thread I use for EPP really matter?

It certainly makes a difference in the final look and feel of your project. A fine, strong thread is your best friend for EPP. Look for something like a 50wt or even an 80wt cotton thread. This type of thread is less likely to show, which helps your stitches practically disappear into the fabric. Using a neutral color like gray or beige also helps it blend in with a variety of fabrics.

Once my EPP top is finished, how do I turn it into a quilt?

After you’ve stitched all your pieces together and removed the papers, you have a finished quilt top! From here, the process is just like finishing any other quilt. You’ll make a "quilt sandwich" by layering your EPP top with batting and a backing fabric. Then you can quilt it by hand or machine and finish it off by adding binding around the edges.