Beginner's Guide To Quilting - UK (2020-04)

Exploring Shapes

Beginner’s Guide to Quilting 95

P

aper-piecing (also known as
English Paper Piecing – EPP)
works with a variety of
geometric shapes, but the most
common is the hexagon. The
six-sided shapes are stitched
together to form a patchworked

fabric. This method is ideal for

first-time quilters and works across

a range of projects, from bags and

cushions to full-size bedspreads.

By varying the colours, you can create

different patterns within the patchwork

design. Random patterns are also just as

pretty, and a great way to use up scraps

from your stash. Once you’ve mastered

hexagons, try paper piecing other shapes

too to create different geometric patterns.

You can even create ‘blocks’ from different

shapes – see page 104 for more on

working with blocks.

THIS NIFTY WAY OF SEWING UP SHAPES

IS A GREAT STASH BUSTER

Cut several hexagons from

card. Pin each hexagon to a

piece of fabric & press the

edges of the fabric around it.

Piece them together by

placing two right sides

together and whip stitch

along one edge.

4

Tack the fabric in place,

starting in one corner. Stitch

a couple of stitches through

the fabric (not the paper).

2

Add a third shape by

folding a hexagon with two

stitched edges in half so the

remaining edges meet.

Move to the next corner and

stitch in place. Continue

around the hexagon until

all the corners are stitched.

3

Continue adding more

shapes. Once a hexagon

has been sewn on all six

sides, remove the template.

5 6

1

Paper piecing