English paper piecing
Patchwork made by wrapping fabric round thin card or paper shapes, often hexagons, and joining them by hand.
What it is
Patchwork by hand: fabric wrapped round paper shapes like hexagons, then whipstitched together.
Who it suits
Anyone who likes portable, calm handwork. No machine needed.
What you need
Paper templates, fabric scraps, a glue pen or thread, a fine needle and thread.
A first project
A seven-hexagon flower appliquéd onto a bag or cushion.
The english paper piecing guides
Beginner's guide
What you need
Techniques and stitches
How to baste hexagons (glue or thread)
Wrap fabric neatly round a paper template with crisp corners.
How to whipstitch EPP pieces together
Tiny stitches catching just the folded edges.
First project
Mistakes and fixes
Next steps
Sources
All checked 1 November 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.
