The Practical Quilter
The Practical Quilter is a new concept shopping experience for the New Zealand Quilter with the sole focus of offering the supplies and accessories needed to make amazing quilts, bags or other textile items.
English Paper Piecing (EPP) – A Timeless Craft
English Paper Piecing (EPP) is a hand-sewing technique that has been cherished by quilters for centuries, celebrated for its precision and portability. The method involves wrapping fabric around paper templates and stitching the pieces together by hand, allowing quilters to create intricate designs with sharp angles and clean lines.
One of the unique appeals of EPP is its emphasis on slow piecing. Unlike machine quilting, which can be fast and repetitive, EPP encourages quilters to slow down and savor the process. Each stitch is deliberate, offering a mindful, meditative experience. This slow pace connects the quilter to the historical roots of the craft, a time when hand-sewing was not just a necessity but also an art form.
Historically, EPP can be traced back to the 1700s, with some of the earliest examples found in England, hence its name. It became particularly popular in the 19th century when women would use scraps of fabric to create intricate mosaic-style quilts. The portability of EPP made it accessible to women who could work on small sections at a time, even while traveling or in social gatherings. Today, this accessibility remains one of its greatest strengths.
EPP is perfect for quilters of all levels because it requires minimal equipment—just fabric, paper templates, needle, and thread. It’s a craft that can be done anywhere, whether you’re at home or on the go. And while it takes time, the satisfaction of watching a beautiful design emerge, piece by piece, makes it a rewarding and timeless practice. Whether you're creating hexagons, diamonds, or more complex shapes, English Paper Piecing allows for infinite creativity and personalization.
Check out The Practical Qulter for patterns, kits or notions to help you learn EPP OR find that next project for you.
If you love English Paper Piecing (EPP) or wanting to try it, we have patterns, templates, kits and even bundles of some popular EPP quilts for you're viewing and purchasing pleasure. Don't see what you're after? Simply send us an enquiry and we'll do our best to help you.
The Practical Quilter is a new concept shopping experience for the New Zealand Quilter with the sole focus of offering the supplies and accessories needed to make amazing quilts, bags or other textile items.
