This is the full you tube tutorial : How to Sew English Paper Piecing Pincushion https://youtu.be/HW5pr200Shg
Cassie Cartmell – Faodail Creation
Table of Contents
If you’ve been looking for How to Sew English Paper Piecing Pincushion, you’ve come to the right place. This beginner-friendly sewing tutorial will show you exactly How to Sew English Paper Piecing Pincushion using hand stitching and a regular sewing machine. Whether you’re completely new to English Paper Piecing (EPP) or already enjoy hand sewing, this project is a fantastic way to improve your skills while creating a beautiful and practical sewing accessory.
Learning How to Sew English Paper Piecing Pincushion is an excellent introduction to English Paper Piecing because it allows you to practice joining hexagons without committing to a full quilt. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have a finished pincushion that looks wonderful in your sewing room and gives you valuable experience with this traditional quilting technique.
Why Learn How to Sew English Paper Piecing Pincushion?
One of the best reasons to learn How to Sew English Paper Piecing Pincushion is that it teaches the basic techniques used in larger English Paper Piecing projects. Before investing hundreds of hours into an EPP quilt, making a pincushion lets you discover whether you enjoy the relaxing process of hand stitching.
Benefits include:
- Great beginner project
- Uses small fabric scraps
- Improves hand sewing skills
- Perfect portable sewing project
- Makes a thoughtful handmade gift
- Helps you practice joining hexagons accurately
Supplies You’ll Need – How to Sew English Paper Piecing Pincushion
Below I have included my Amazon Affiliate links, if you decide to purchase from one of these links I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you
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For this project you’ll need the following english paper piecing tools :
- English Paper Piecing hexagons – https://amzn.to/3RfBQW0
- Cotton quilting fabric
- Fine hand sewing thread – https://amzn.to/4fDjyan
- Hand sewing needle – https://amzn.to/4f3zLFI
- Fabric scissors – https://amzn.to/3RdCi7c
- Wonder Clips – https://amzn.to/4plCkX8
- 4-inch x 4-inch backing fabric
- Ribbon for hanging loop – https://amzn.to/4wPqZRS
- Polyester stuffing (Poly-Fil) https://amzn.to/4fBXsFk
- Sewing machine (optional)
The thread used for this project is a fine quilting thread that works beautifully for English Paper Piecing because it creates less bulk than standard sewing thread.
Choosing the Best Thread – How to Sew English Paper Piecing Pincushion
Choosing the right thread is one of the most important steps when learning How to Sew English Paper Piecing Pincushion. A finer thread helps hide your stitches and creates flatter seams, giving your finished project a clean and professional appearance. Because English Paper Piecing relies on hand stitching rather than machine sewing, every stitch is visible if the wrong thread is used. Selecting a high-quality, fine thread will make your stitches blend into the fabric and produce a much neater finish.
Cut approximately an arm’s length of thread and use only one strand, not a doubled thread. A single strand glides through the fabric more easily and creates less bulk where the hexagons are joined together. Tie a simple knot at the end before beginning your stitching.
Using a single strand creates smoother joins between the hexagons and makes the finished project look much neater. Fine thread is especially helpful for English Paper Piecing because the folded fabric edges need to sit flat against one another. A thicker thread can create bulky seams that make the finished design less crisp.
Many quilters prefer cotton or polyester quilting thread for English Paper Piecing, while others enjoy using specialty hand quilting thread. There isn’t one perfect choice the best thread is the one that feels comfortable in your hands and matches the weight of your fabric. If you’re unsure, experiment with a few different brands to discover which one gives you the smoothest stitching experience.
It’s also a good idea to match your thread colour to the fabric you’re sewing. Even though English Paper Piecing stitches are designed to be small and nearly invisible, a closely matched thread colour helps camouflage any stitches that may show. If you’re joining fabrics with different colours, choose a neutral shade that blends well with both fabrics.
Another helpful tip for English Paper Piecing is to avoid using thread that’s too long. Although it may seem like you’ll save time, overly long thread can twist, knot, and fray as you sew. Working with an arm’s length of thread keeps your stitching smooth and manageable while reducing frustration.
Taking a few extra moments to select the right thread will make sewing your hexagons much more enjoyable. Quality thread, small consistent stitches, and a single strand all work together to give your English Paper Piecing projects a beautiful finish. As you gain more experience with English Paper Piecing, you’ll quickly discover which threads you enjoy working with the most and which ones produce the results you love.
Preparing Your Hexagons – How to Sew English Paper Piecing Pincushion
Before beginning How to Sew English Paper Piecing Pincushion, prepare your hexagons.
Arrange them into rows.
For this pincushion you’ll create:
- 5 hexagons per row
- 4 rows total
Laying everything out first makes sewing much easier.
Joining the First Two Hexagons – How to Sew English Paper Piecing Pincushion
Place two hexagons with the right sides together.
Instead of sewing far into the fabric, insert your needle right near the folded edge.
Take only a tiny bite of fabric.
Pull the thread through.
Return through the same hole.
Pass the needle through the loop to secure your knot.
Repeat this knot a second time.
Double-knotting both the beginning and ending keeps the seam secure.
Stitching the Edge – How to Sew English Paper Piecing Pincushion
Continue sewing across the edge using tiny whip stitches.
Keep your stitches close together.
Small stitches prevent gaps from appearing once the pincushion is finished.
Work slowly down the entire edge until reaching the next corner.
At the end:
- Create another loop.
- Pass the needle through.
- Repeat once more.
Now your seam is locked securely.
One of the keys to achieving beautiful English Paper Piecing is consistency. Try to make each stitch approximately the same size as the previous one. Even, closely spaced stitches help the hexagons fit together neatly and create smooth, nearly invisible seams. Although no one will notice every individual stitch, they will notice the overall appearance of your finished project.
As you continue stitching, take care not to pull the thread too tightly. Pulling too hard can cause the fabric to pucker or distort the shape of your hexagons. Instead, gently tighten each stitch until the edges sit snugly together. This creates a secure seam while allowing your English Paper Piecing project to lie nice and flat.
Many beginners worry that their hand stitching isn’t perfect, but English Paper Piecing is a skill that improves with practice. After sewing just a few hexagons, you’ll likely find that your stitches become smaller, more even, and much faster to complete. The relaxing pace of English Paper Piecing is one of the reasons so many quilters enjoy this traditional sewing technique.
If you find the two hexagons shifting while you sew, don’t hesitate to use a Wonder Clip or a sewing pin to hold them together. Keeping the edges aligned helps ensure the corners match perfectly once the seam is complete. Accurate alignment is especially important in English Paper Piecing, where every hexagon connects to several others as your project grows.
Take your time as you work along each edge, checking occasionally that the folded fabric edges remain flush with one another. There’s no need to rush. One of the greatest pleasures of English Paper Piecing is slowing down and enjoying the stitching process. Whether you’re sewing while watching television, travelling, or relaxing with a cup of tea, these small stitches gradually come together to create something beautiful.
Once you reach the end of each seam and secure your final knot, gently open the joined hexagons to check your work. The seam should be neat, flat, and free from noticeable gaps. If everything looks good, you’re ready to continue adding the next hexagon and building your English Paper Piecing pincushion one section at a time.
Complete the Rows – How to Sew English Paper Piecing Pincushion
Continue adding hexagons until each row contains five pieces.
Once you’ve completed one row, repeat until you have four rows in total.
Although English Paper Piecing is hand sewing, you’ll likely be surprised by how quickly this project comes together.
Many sewists find this project gives them a realistic idea of the time required to complete a full English Paper Piecing quilt.
Joining the Rows Together – How to Sew English Paper Piecing Pincushion
Once every row is finished, it’s time to connect them.
Always place:
Right sides together
Line up the matching edges carefully.
Begin exactly as before:
- Knot the corner
- Take tiny stitches
- Work across one edge
- Knot at the end
After finishing one seam, simply fold the next pair of hexagons together and continue.
One section at a time eventually creates the complete front panel.
No Glue Required – How to Sew English Paper Piecing Pincushion
One unique feature of this method is that no glue is used.
Many English Paper Piecing tutorials recommend glue basting.
This technique skips glue completely.
The paper templates have already been removed before assembly.
Although glue works well for many quilters, sewing without glue eliminates the extra steps of:
- Applying adhesive
- Waiting for glue to dry
- Moistening glue
- Removing papers afterward
Many sewists find this method equally fast while avoiding the extra preparation.
Press the Finished Panel – How to Sew English Paper Piecing Pincushion
Once all rows have been joined, give the front panel a good press.
Pressing helps flatten the seams and gives your pincushion a professional appearance.
Avoid stretching the fabric while pressing.
Instead, gently lower and lift the iron.
Prepare the Backing Fabric – How to Sew English Paper Piecing Pincushion
Cut one square measuring:
4 inches x 4 inches
Place the backing fabric right sides together with the English Paper Piecing panel.
Ensure every corner is covered.
Pin or clip everything securely.
Add the Hanging Loop – How to Sew English Paper Piecing Pincushion
Cut a small piece of ribbon.
Fold it into a loop.
Place the raw ends between the two fabric layers.
Position the loop near one corner.
Secure with a Wonder Clip.
The loop should remain inside the pincushion while sewing.
Sew Around the Pincushion – How to Sew English Paper Piecing Pincushion
Using your sewing machine, stitch around the outside edge.
Remember to:
- Backstitch at the beginning
- Pivot at each corner
- Leave a turning opening approximately 1–1½ inches wide
The opening will allow you to turn the pincushion right side out later.
Trim the Corners – How to Sew English Paper Piecing Pincushion
Carefully trim close to the stitching.
Do not cut through the stitches.
Removing excess fabric helps reduce bulk inside the corners.
Turn Right Side Out – How to Sew English Paper Piecing Pincushion
Reach through the opening.
Turn the pincushion right side out.
Use a chopstick, turning tool, or blunt knitting needle to gently push out each corner.
Take your time.
Sharp corners make the finished project look much more professional.
Fill the Pincushion – How to Sew English Paper Piecing Pincushion
Stuff your pincushion using Poly-Fil or your favourite filling.
Many sewists also enjoy using:
- Crushed walnut shells
- Wool scraps
- Fabric scraps
- Polyester stuffing
Avoid overfilling.
You’ll still be adding a decorative topstitch around the edge.
Keeping the filling slightly softer makes this final stitching much easier.
Finish with Topstitching – How to Sew English Paper Piecing Pincushion
Fold the opening closed.
Topstitch around the entire pincushion.
This final row of stitching:
- Closes the opening
- Adds strength
- Creates a polished finish
- Frames the English Paper Piecing beautifully
Add Decorative Details – How to Sew English Paper Piecing Pincushion
Personalize your pincushion by adding:
- Small felt flower
- Button
- Decorative embroidery
- Fabric label
- Handmade tag
Simple embellishments make every pincushion unique.
Finished Project – How to Sew English Paper Piecing Pincushion
Congratulations!
You’ve successfully completed How to Sew English Paper Piecing Pincushion and created a practical sewing accessory that you’ll use every time you sew.
Not only is this a wonderful scrap-busting project, but it’s also an excellent way to experience the relaxing rhythm of English Paper Piecing before starting a larger quilt.
If you enjoyed learning How to Sew English Paper Piecing Pincushion, be sure to explore more English Paper Piecing tutorials and sewing projects. Every new project builds confidence and improves your hand stitching skills while creating beautiful handmade items you’ll treasure for years to come.
Read this next : Glue Basting English Paper Piecing : The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Fast, Accurate EPP https://faodailcreation.ca/2026/07/11/glue-basting-english-paper-piecing/
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