Intro to English Paper Piecing
Use bits of scraps and or precious pieces of your most darling fabrics to create gorgeous English Paper Pieced Quilts. Hand stitching is wonderfully portable, so if you want to to stitch on the go, this may be just the technique for you!
PS This post is part of the Summer Stash Busting Challenge-- Welcome! Be sure to check out the original post to see the full lineup of content here.
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Our mobile lives have led to a revival of hand stitching of late, and leading the charge is the amazingly versatile English Paper Piecing technique. Designs range from using a singular shape in many colors (like the many rainbow hexie quilts we have all admired) to the invention of entirely new shapes to add a new flavor to forward thinking patterns. Similarly, fabric can be cut for the shape from all manner of bits and scraps or meticulously fussy cut for mind-blowing new designs.
I've done just enough EPP to appreciate it, and I'll share a few of my own tips before pointing you toward some of my favorite experts:
My EPP Tips:
1) Use a high quality thread such as Aurifil 50wt or Aurifil 80 wt
2) Secure the end of your thread with an easy rolled knot (View a tutorial here). I prefer to work with just one strand of thread instead of two for less visible stitches
3) If you're working with hexies and can make them a grouping at a time, consider using reusable templates. They're durable, easy to remove, and you don't have to keep making or buying more
4) Use a ladder stitch instead of a whip stitch to join your pieces for a less visible seam (see comparison above)
5) I like to baste with regular ol' school glue sticks. They're cheap and acid free
Learn from Some Experts
Angie at GnomeAngel
Angie takes the cake with this step by step post that introduces her favorite supplies, demonstrates glue basting, and shows the basics of stitching EPP shapes together.
Mathew at Mister Domestic
I mean, who can resist a Mister Domestic party?? With his characteristic flair, humor, and skill, Mathew introduces us to how he went from an EPP skeptic to an EPP fanatic in this video. By the way, if you want to learn a bit more about Mathew, you can read my FriYAY Friends interview with him here.
Karen at The DIY Addict
Karen is the go-to woman for GORGEOUS EPP patterns. Additionally, she has a wonderful resources section on her website to answer all your EPP conundrums.
PS Don't forget to pin this post so you can find it later!
This post is part of the Summer Stash Busting Challenge-- Welcome! Be sure to check out the original post to see the full lineup of content here.
