One of my favorite parts of English Paper Piecing is that moment when everything starts to come together. Up until now, we’ve been focusing on the basics like wrapping fabric and starting to sew shapes together, but this is where it begins to feel like a real project.
In this next step, I’m taking that X (or plus) block we worked on before and adding a simple square to it. It’s a small addition, but it opens the door to so many more possibilities. Suddenly, you’re not just making individual pieces, you’re building a design.
I’m also working with non-directional fabrics here, which I really love, especially when you’re starting out as you're not having to think too hard about fabric placement. You can just focus on the process, wrapping, stitching, and letting the rhythm take over.
And that rhythm is what keeps me coming back to EPP again and again.
There’s something really calming about it. The repetition of the stitches, the way each corner comes together, the little knots that secure everything in place. It all starts to feel natural the more you do it. You don’t have to rush it. You can just sit with it and enjoy the process.
In my second video in the series, I walk through how I attach the square and join the pieces together, and I share some of the little tips I’ve picked up along the way, like why I cut my fabric slightly larger than the paper, or how I manage my thread so it behaves (most of the time!).
This is also the point where things can start to feel a little addictive. Once you see how the pieces connect and how quickly it can grow, it’s hard not to keep going.
If you’re stitching along with me, keep at it. It really does get easier and more intuitive with every piece.
👉 You can watch the full video tutorial to follow along step-by-step and see exactly how I put everything together.
Want to check out the Zakka Sewn book I referenced in the video? We have it here at The Cotton Patch! And if you’ve already started building your blocks, I’d love to see what you’re working on. This is just the beginning, and there’s so much more we can create from here so stay tuned!
Happy stitching,
Melinda