What is English Paper Piecing? + 10 Free Patterns

English paper piecing, also known as EPP, involves wrapping and gluing fabric around the paper piece templates and then sewing those together. It gained popularity with English and British quilters, which is where it got its name.

English paper piecing is usually done with repeated shapes and there are acrylic templates available along with packages of paper shapes. The acrylic templates are available with either a 3/8-inch or 1/4-inch seam allowance, along with a few other details to choose from.

You can buy EPP kits that include everything you need for specific patterns or to get started on your own design.

English paper piecing is usually done by hand, which makes it a great option for quilting on the go. You can bring your cut pieces, templates, basting pen, thread, needle, and scissors, and make them while you're on vacation.

This Step by Step English Paper Piecing Tutorial by AQS will show you exactly how to do it. We also have video tutorials a few sections down.
 

Fussy Cutting: When English paper piecing, you have the option to do what's called fussy cutting. Fussy cutting means using a pre-made template or custom-made template that has an outlined border and open inside in order to perfectly match a design in a piece of fabric. This is particularly useful when your fabric has specific images, like flowers, as shown in the picture below.

Our English Paper Piecing Diamonds Tutorial by Carolina Moore uses fussy cutting for the shapes, so check out that video tutorial to learn.
 

Besides the basic notions and supplies needed for quilting, there are a few specific things you need for English paper piecing. Assuming you have needles, threads, fabric, thimbles, and scissors, let's go over the supplies needed for English paper piecing.

Templates: You will need to cut or purchase paper piecing shapes made of heavy paper that is flexible but sturdy enough to hold its shape (like cardstock). If you use a kit, there may be several shapes included but if you buy them individually, you will mostly only find a package of specific shapes, like hexagons. Fussy cutting involves the open shape templates, which can also be custom-made or purchased.

There are also acrylic EPP templates to cut your fabric. The image below shows cutting the fabric using the paper template but using an acrylic template is a bit more stable and secure. And since most of them are available in clear, it allows you to see the fabric below. This is particularly important in fussy cutting.

Fabric Marker: Alternatively, a fabric pencil can be used for EPP. You will need a disappearing or water soluble marking pen to outline the templates on your fabric.

Basting/Glue Pen: This is an important notion in English paper piecing because you have to glue the edges of the paper template in order to wrap the fabric around. Some people use any glue stick but buying one that's made for English paper piecing or sewing will be more precise.

Fabric Clips: Using fabric clips may be necessary for some patterns. These clips can hold together pieces before or as you sew to help keep everything together and aligned.

FaveQuilts has several tutorials for paper piecing that will help you learn the technique as well as feel more comfortable creating a design of your own or using the patterns provided in these tutorials.

For a paper piecing quilting tutorial using hexagons, take a look at our video tutorial below:

You are going to love the variety in this collection of pieced quilt patterns. From block patterns to full quilt designs as well as pillows, placemats, organizers, and so much more, you will find whatever you are looking for here.

As you can see, this list of English paper piecing quilt patterns and tutorials proves how creative paper piecing can be. It’s an art form in itself, which allows quilters to create full scenes or designs based on their own imagination or based off images and scenes they see.

Use these patterns as a starting point or find one that you love and want to create right away. There are even more paper piecing patterns to make, too!

1. English Paper Piecing Hexies Part 1
    
2. English Paper Piecing Hexies Part 2
    
3. Bunny English Paper Piecing Tutorial (pictured below)

4. Mini Honeycomb Hexie Quilt
    
5. Ferris Wheel Mini Quilt
    
6. Rainbow of Hexies Patchwork Table Runner (pictured below)

7. Fussy Cut Paper Pieced Hexagon Block
    
8. English Paper Applique Tote
    
9. Triple Hexie Headband
    
10. Diamond Triangle Quilt Pattern (pictured below)