Hi friends,
Melinda here!
I wanted to talk about something I’m passionate about - English Paper Piecing, or EPP. If you’ve been in the shop, you’ve probably heard me mention it!
A lot of people ask me what it actually is, and at its most basic, it’s just wrapping fabric around paper shapes and hand stitching them together. But honestly, that doesn’t really explain why I love it so much.
When I first started, I wasn’t expecting to get hooked. I just wanted to try something new and add another skill to my toolbox. That was it. But somewhere along the way, it turned into something I really look forward to doing.
One of the biggest things for me is how calming it is. There’s something about the slow, repetitive motion of stitching that just lets your brain settle a bit. It’s not fast, and it’s not meant to be. It’s just… steady. And I didn’t realize how much I needed that until I started doing it.
Another huge plus is that you can take it anywhere. You don’t need your sewing machine or a whole setup. I’ve worked on EPP in carpool lines, at the airport, on a plane, in hotel rooms, you name it. If you’ve got a few minutes, you can get a few stitches in. I love that kind of flexibility.
And if you’ve got a pile of fabric scraps you’ve been hanging onto, this is such a good way to use them. Those little pieces that feel too small for anything else suddenly become part of something really fun and intentional. Want to give it a try? Check out my EPP for Beginners video and get started today!
In the video, I’m working with a honeycomb shape, which is one of my favorites. It’s super versatile and a great place to start, whether you want to follow a pattern or just play around and see what happens.
If you’re curious and want to learn how to actually do it, definitely watch the video. I walk through everything step by step and give you time to pause and stitch along, so you can go at your own pace.
If you’ve been thinking about trying English Paper Piecing, I’d say just go for it. Start simple, don’t overthink it, and see how it feels. You might end up loving it as much as I do!
Stay tuned! Next week, I'll post my next video in the series about how to attach the pieces of your X block in different arrangements.
Happy stitching,
Melinda 🧵
Here are some simple tools to help you get started, all available at The Cotton Patch.
Melinda's favorite EPP tools:
Paper PiecesGlue Stick and Refills
80wt Thread
Straw/Milliner's Needle
WonderClips