Cassie Cartmell – Faodail Creation
If you’ve ever wanted to learn How to English Paper Piecing, this beginner-friendly tutorial will walk you through everything you need to know no glue required! How to English Paper Piecing is one of the most relaxing and rewarding hand-sewing techniques, allowing you to create precise patchwork using fabric shapes wrapped around paper templates.
After trying to master this method for over a year, I’ve finally cracked the code and in this post, I’ll share my favorite tools, techniques, and tips that helped me succeed. Whether you’re sewing at home, in the garden, or on the go, you’ll soon discover that How to English Paper Piecing is both calming and creatively fulfilling.
🧵 What Is English Paper Piecing?
Before we dive into How to English Paper Piecing, let’s quickly cover what EPP actually is. How to English Paper Piecing is a traditional hand-quilting method where you wrap fabric around paper templates (often hexagons) and stitch them together by hand.
It’s a slow-sewing craft, perfect for when you want to disconnect from your sewing machine and enjoy something peaceful. Many quilters love learning How to English Paper Piecing because it’s portable, precise, and incredibly meditative.
You can create everything from small coasters to large quilts, all featuring beautiful geometric shapes that fit together perfectly.
🧰 Tools You’ll Need for English Paper Piecing Hexagons
There are affiliate links below that link to amazon, If you choose to purchase I may receive a small commission
Here’s a list of what I personally use when I’m doing my English paper piecing:
1. Storage Box
I use a multi-compartment box from Michaels (or any craft store). It’s originally designed for scrapbook supplies or photos but works wonderfully for storing fabric squares, paper templates, needles, and threads. Keeping everything organized helps you grab and go one of the best parts about EPP!
Similar storage box https://amzn.to/472EtyT
2. Paper Templates
You’ll need hexagon paper pieces. You can cut your own, but I recommend buying pre-cut ones to save time and ensure accuracy.
💡 Tip: If your paper pieces don’t have holes in the center, use a single hole punch to create one this makes removing them later much easier.
Similar Paper Piecing Templates https://amzn.to/3OIXhNo
3. Fabric Squares
For this project, I used 2½” x 2½” fabric squares (mini charm packs). You’ll need six matching fabrics for the hexagon petals and one contrasting print for the center.
I’ve used this brand of Jelly Roll before and they are good quality https://amzn.to/4b7P9if
4. Thread and Needle
Choose a fine, sharp hand-sewing needle and high-quality thread that blends well with your fabric. I recommend a thread that “sinks in” not too thick or shiny. I use a light blue or olive green thread instead of white because it’s less visible on most fabrics.
My Favorite Brand of Hand Sewing needles https://amzn.to/4qS6vEs
My favorite thread for EPP go for Pale Blue or Pale grey https://amzn.to/4kTLnfO
5. Wonder Clips and Snips
Wonder clips are perfect for holding your folds while pressing or stitching. Small sharp scissors (snips) help with trimming.
Multipurpose Sewing Clips https://amzn.to/4kTMHPP
6. Iron
A small craft iron or mini iron is great for pressing seams while you work. EPP relies on clean folds and crisp edges.
Mini Craft Iron Mini Heat Press https://amzn.to/40s8nJj
🪡 Step 1: Preparing Your Paper Pieces and Fabric
The first step in how to English paper piece hexagons is to prepare your paper templates and fabric.
- Cut your fabric squares. You’ll need one 2½” square per paper hexagon.
- Trim the corners. Snip a tiny bit off each corner of your square this helps fold the fabric more neatly.
- Center the hexagon. Place your paper hexagon in the middle of your fabric square.
- Press and fold. Fold one side of the fabric over the paper and press it down with your iron.
- Clip in place. Use a Wonder Clip to hold that side down, then move to the next side. Continue folding and pressing each edge until all six sides are neatly folded and clipped.
✂️ Step 2: Basting the Fabric Without Glue
Most tutorials use glue for basting, but in this method, we’ll baste by hand stitching no glue needed!
Here’s why I prefer stitching over glue:
- Glue can make removing paper pieces difficult.
- It sometimes distorts your fabric shape.
- Thread basting keeps edges crisp and reusable.
To baste your fabric hexagon:
- Thread your needle with a single strand of thread.
- Start about ⅛” from the edge, sewing through the fabric and just catching the paper.
- Move around the hexagon, folding each corner and stitching it down as you go.
- Secure your final stitch with a small knot.
💡 Tip: Don’t baste too close to the top edge stitching slightly lower helps the folds stay secure.
Step 3: Removing the Paper Templates
Once your hexagon shapes are basted and pressed, you can remove the paper pieces carefully.
Use the small hole you punched earlier:
- Insert your blunt scissors or a pin into the hole.
- Gently lift the paper out try not to tear it.
- If you do rip a template, repair it with a bit of tape and reuse it!
Your fabric should keep its crisp hexagon shape, especially if you’ve pressed well before removing the paper.
🔗 Step 4: Sewing Your English Paper Pieced Hexagons Together
Now for the fun part stitching your hexagons together!
You’ll need seven hexagons total:
- Six solid-colored petals
- One patterned or contrasting center
How to Stitch the Hexagons:
- Place two hexagons right sides together.
- Clip them with a Wonder Clip to hold them in place.
- Start at one corner and use a whipstitch or ladder stitch, sewing through both folded edges.
- Stitch close to the edge, keeping your stitches tiny and consistent.
- Knot your thread securely at the end.
Repeat this process to join all six hexagons around your center piece, forming a flower-like shape.
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid looping stitches over and over instead, go in and out for nearly invisible seams. The goal is to have your stitches disappear once pressed.
💨 Step 5: Pressing and Finishing
Pressing is your secret weapon for crisp, professional-looking EPP. After each section is stitched:
- Open it flat and press with your mini iron.
- Flip it and press again on the reverse side.
- Continue pressing as you add new hexagons.
This step sets your stitches and keeps your fabric flat a small detail that makes a big difference in your finished quilt.
🧵 Why I Don’t Use Glue for English Paper Piecing
While many quilters love glue basting, I’ve found that hand stitching my EPP shapes produces better results. Here’s why:
- Reusable templates: You can easily reuse paper pieces multiple times.
- Cleaner finish: No sticky residue or stiff fabric.
- Easier pressing: Fabric folds stay crisp and flexible.
- More control: You can adjust corners and edges as you stitch.
So if you’ve struggled with glue in the past, give this thread-basting method a try. You might find it more satisfying and precise!
🎨 Fabric Coordination Tips for English Paper Piecing
When learning How to English Paper Piecing hexagons, fabric choice truly matters. Using a coordinated color palette makes your finished block look cohesive and intentional, helping you achieve professional results as you practice How to English Paper Piecing.
Here’s what I did:
- I used mini charm packs that contained the full fabric line, ensuring all colors matched.
- For yardage, I bought half a meter of several coordinating colors.
- When pairing fabrics, I matched reds with reds, greens with greens, and so on for a harmonious look.
You can also play with contrast try pairing solids with bold prints for a dynamic, eye-catching design. layout.
🪡 Helpful Tips for Beginners
If you’re new to English paper piecing, these small adjustments can make a big difference:
- Use fine thread: Avoid bulky thread; it helps stitches blend in.
- Work in good lighting: Hand sewing requires precision.
- Keep hexagons organized: Store basted shapes in small containers until ready to sew.
- Practice patience: EPP is a slow craft enjoy the process!
- Always press: Regular pressing keeps everything neat and accurate.
💬 Join the Conversation
Have you tried English paper piecing before? Were you successful, or did it feel tricky at first like it did for me?
Leave a comment below I’d love to hear your experiences and see your EPP progress! Your comments also help more sewists find this tutorial on how to English paper piece hexagons.
Here is the link to the you tube tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKha33DATX8&t=2s
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