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 November 1, 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.
