Hi welcome to my blog. I love EPP (English Paper Piecing).
This week, because I have some projects coming up that use it, I want to share some things I have learned for EPP. I love EPP. It is a very portable project that you can take with you in the car, while you are waiting for appointments, sporting events with the kids, or whatever else you may be doing. I even take it on vacations, whether we are in a hotel, or whether we are camping, this always gives me something to do when I want some downtime.
What Supplies are needed:
First off, you need to get some supplies. You need needles. I use just regular quilting needles. I am currently using the John James quilting needles size 8.
Paper pieces. You can by these pre cut or if you don't mind cutting your own, you can download, print on cardstock and cut your own. A couple of sites I like are http://moxyideas.com/downloads/ and https://www.thelittlemushroomcap.com/free-resources/.
Thread - I am not picky about my thread, until it comes to my free motion quilting. I use what I have on hand. Currently I am using some aurifil 50 weight thread.
Glue stick. Another one that I am not picky about. I have used elmers glue sticks and a fons and porter glue stick. This is optional if you don't want to glue your fabric edges to the paper shape.
Clips - These can be the clover clips that so many use for holding the binding or you can use binder clips.
Last but not least, your big bin of scraps. Depending on the size of your shapes you don't need big pieces.
So, lets get started.
Pick out the shape and size you want to do. The smallest I have done is a 3/4" hexagon. Trace your shape onto the fabric or do a rough cut. You want about a 1/4" - 3/8" allowance of each side. Cut out. I usually cut out several pieces of the shape I am using at one time. Take your fabric and a paper piece, and lay the paper piece on the wrong side of fabric. Run your glue stick along the edge of the shape. Fold your fabric over and stick down. You will need to put a small dab on your fabric to hold it all down.
Another option is to thread baste. Use a clip to hold your fabric and paper piece together. Fold an edge of your fabric over the shape. Taking a needle and thread, tie a knot at the end of the thread. Take your shape and on the back side, go through your fabric, not catching the paper, and make a stitch, then go to your next section and take a stitch. Continue folding and stitching all around. This is my favorite method to use and the one I use most often.
After you get a good amount of shapes done, you are now ready to start sewing your shapes together. Take two of the shapes you are working with and put two edges together. Take your clip and put at the top, making sure both pieces are tight together and held by the clip. Now your pieces are flat and you can do a back and forth stitch, or a ladder stitch.
What can I make with my EPP pieces?
You can make so many fun things with the shapes. You can do flowers.
You can sew them in rows for a fun throw pillow or quilt.
I hope you have had some time to play with EPP and are learning to enjoy it. It is fun and relaxing.
If anything is unclear, please leave a comment and your email address and I will get back to you right away.
Thank you for joining me and I hope you will follow me. I love quilting, it is my passion and I want to share it with you.
This week, because I have some projects coming up that use it, I want to share some things I have learned for EPP. I love EPP. It is a very portable project that you can take with you in the car, while you are waiting for appointments, sporting events with the kids, or whatever else you may be doing. I even take it on vacations, whether we are in a hotel, or whether we are camping, this always gives me something to do when I want some downtime.
What Supplies are needed:
First off, you need to get some supplies. You need needles. I use just regular quilting needles. I am currently using the John James quilting needles size 8.
Paper pieces. You can by these pre cut or if you don't mind cutting your own, you can download, print on cardstock and cut your own. A couple of sites I like are http://moxyideas.com/downloads/ and https://www.thelittlemushroomcap.com/free-resources/.
Thread - I am not picky about my thread, until it comes to my free motion quilting. I use what I have on hand. Currently I am using some aurifil 50 weight thread.
Glue stick. Another one that I am not picky about. I have used elmers glue sticks and a fons and porter glue stick. This is optional if you don't want to glue your fabric edges to the paper shape.
Clips - These can be the clover clips that so many use for holding the binding or you can use binder clips.
Last but not least, your big bin of scraps. Depending on the size of your shapes you don't need big pieces.
So, lets get started.
Pick out the shape and size you want to do. The smallest I have done is a 3/4" hexagon. Trace your shape onto the fabric or do a rough cut. You want about a 1/4" - 3/8" allowance of each side. Cut out. I usually cut out several pieces of the shape I am using at one time. Take your fabric and a paper piece, and lay the paper piece on the wrong side of fabric. Run your glue stick along the edge of the shape. Fold your fabric over and stick down. You will need to put a small dab on your fabric to hold it all down.
Another option is to thread baste. Use a clip to hold your fabric and paper piece together. Fold an edge of your fabric over the shape. Taking a needle and thread, tie a knot at the end of the thread. Take your shape and on the back side, go through your fabric, not catching the paper, and make a stitch, then go to your next section and take a stitch. Continue folding and stitching all around. This is my favorite method to use and the one I use most often.
After you get a good amount of shapes done, you are now ready to start sewing your shapes together. Take two of the shapes you are working with and put two edges together. Take your clip and put at the top, making sure both pieces are tight together and held by the clip. Now your pieces are flat and you can do a back and forth stitch, or a ladder stitch.
You can make so many fun things with the shapes. You can do flowers.
You can sew them in rows for a fun throw pillow or quilt.
I hope you have had some time to play with EPP and are learning to enjoy it. It is fun and relaxing.
If anything is unclear, please leave a comment and your email address and I will get back to you right away.
Thank you for joining me and I hope you will follow me. I love quilting, it is my passion and I want to share it with you.
