English Paper Piecing {Tutorial}

Note: This post was meant to be posted on November 17, 2012...but unfortunately, not only was the virtual sewing event cancelled for low participation, my post didn't upload correctly when I was ready to just share it at that time.  I have an EPP project that will be posted tomorrow, so I thought this would be a good time to resurrect it from draft status.  Hope it is helpful!

This tutorial is the basis of any paper pieced project.  I want to be clear that this is MY favorite way to baste and stitch English Paper Piecing (EPP).  However, there are many more ways to baste and stitch your pieces together! 


English Paper Piecing Tutorial

I couldn't just leave you with just a bunch of hexagons and nothing to do with the, so
I had to show you a quick decorative hoop project!

Supplies
Cardstock
Fabric (scraps, fat quarters, whatever!!)
Scissors/Needle/Thread
One 8 inch Hoop
Coordinating embroidery floss

Prepare Your EPP Templates and Fabric

Print the .pdf HERE on card stock.

IMPORTANT: For all English Paper piecing (EPP). When a pattern states the size of a hexagon, the measurement is usually based on the side measurement, not the width or height of the entire hexagon.

After you have printed cut the hexagon...steady hand. I try to cut it right on the inside of the line. The key is to make sure the method you choose to cut is consistent for each piece.

This is optional, but I find it helpful later to punch a hole in the hexagon...two if you plan to pin them. Grab your hole punch!

*Note:  If you are planning a large project, you can purchase plastic and cardboard templates in many stores and online.  I even used my die cut machine to punch them out for a massive future project!

Next, grab your fabric scraps.  They can be random or you can have five in one print and one completely different!

Grab your template and trace your hexagon.

Trim your fabric scrap to a 1/4- 3/8 inch seam allowance or more.
My preference is 3/8".

Can you rough cut them? 
ABSOLUTELY!

Do you need more than just a few?

I explained HERE how I used my Sissix die cut machine with an Accuquilt die cut.  I was able to cut 100+ in less than 20 minutes.  Another option is to purchase pre-cut fabric hexagons that are available online, at your LQS, and big store fronts like Joann fabrics.  Even now Moda is carrying Honeycombs and I have seen a few Kona solids out there, too!

Baste Your EPPs

Here is the technique I think works the best for me to secure my hexagon template to the fabric

Yup. A paper clip!  I actually found these cute colorful ones!
Since I wrote this post originally, I tried a few different ways to secure them
and have also fallen in love with these teeny tiny ones I found in the scrapbook aisle.

After you secure your template?
You will get your needle and thread.
I am using a size 7 Quilter's Between needle and Gutermanns cotton here.  

I always keep my length to no more than 18 inches. It is something I learned with all my  needlework...more is not always better. The thread can get very tangled!

Once you have your knot, start to the left of your paperclip. 

 You will fold the first hexie side down.

Grab a bit of the fabric with your needle.

 Make a single stitch.

Travel to the next corner. Yes, it shows. But not a big deal.  It will never get seen on the front!

While you are doing this, keep pressure in the seam allowance. You want your fabric to be taut on the edge to get a nice crisp side edge!

Then you will be at your last side which is also your beginning.

Un-clip the paperclip and tuck the last side down

Secure your thread and knot.

You will repeat this for five or more hexagons for THIS project.

  Piece Your EPPs Together

First, keep your templates inside your finished hexies...not time for then to come out yet!

If you are doing this flower or any other design, I recommend laying them out just like you would do for any block in Quilting.  For this project, I stretched a piece of scrap muslin on a 8" hoop.

Like the layout? Grab the first two. 

 Place them together with the right sides facing each other.

I start my first stitch in the crevice of a corner.

Then move to the other side and grab the other corner. 

That way I am sure to have matching points/corners at the front.

 Then travel back and forth with a ladder or whip stitch. 

This does not have to be pretty!!!  It will all be covered up. 

The point is to make sure your stitches are secure and snug!

You can do your stitches close to the edge, but your stitches will show.

If you grab lower like I do below.

I feel that you can hide the stitches much better.

 

When you get to the corner grab hexi number three,

Snug your corners in.

You may have to bend the previous hexagon (see arrow).  Whipstitch again.

This part is my favorite.  When you find that you need to move your needle and thread.  Don't worry about knotting and trimming.

Just travel!

Go under at bottom arrow and come up where the top arrow is.

  Completely hidden! Now move your way from the center arrow, out.

Continue whip-stitching and traveling until you have a flower!

Hexi Application

Time to pop out your templates. Remember the hole?

Just slip the end of your snips in the hole, or grab your seam ripper and pop those puppies out!

Forgot the hole? 

No worries!  Slide the ends of your snips under a flap and wiggle that template out!

You could machine applique or needle turn appliqué at this point.

It is pretty with just the hexagons, but you why stop there?

Grab your embroidery floss and do outlines.

 If you don't feel like doing the flower, just place them on your hoop fabric in a pleasing manner and embroider around each hexi with a coordinating color like this sweet pouch my friend, Sharon at Lilabelle Lane, made for me.

Hexie bag made by Sharon at Lilabelle Lane for a hoop swap (sweet, right?)

 The possibilities are endless with English paper piecing. Triangles, hexagons, squares. You name it!

My favorite hexie project to date is my doll quilt set.

 So if you aren't inspired to do a hoop project and want to start small?
A doll quilt or wall hanging is are a great choice!

I can't tell you how happy I am having handwork other than crosstitch makes me!
I love it so much that I currently have a project that involves 600+.

*UPDATE: If your are interested in seeing a large completed project, see Stars and Stripes!*

They are so portable!
I need handwork desperately when I feel like I will never touch my sewing machine again.

 You know that feeling, right?

 
Sitting in the car for carpool line, watching tennis, and waiting for basketball practice to end. Not to mention a good sit in front of the TV with a loved one! I can't stand when my hands are idle!


So join the madness with me!!!