English Paper Piecing Fabric — What Works and What Doesn't
English Paper Piecing Fabric — What Works and What Doesn’t
English paper piecing (EPP) has very specific fabric requirements. The wrong fabric makes EPP unnecessarily frustrating; the right one makes it a meditative pleasure. Here’s what to look for.
Linda’s Electric Quilters Fabric Expert Guide
EPP Fabric Selection Guide
| Factor | Best Choice | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Fiber type | 100% cotton — crisp fold lines Cotton | Polyester blends — don’t hold pressed fold |
| Thread count | Standard quilting cotton — 50–60 tc | Very loosely woven — frays too much Cotton |
| Print scale | Small-scale prints show best in small EPP pieces Small | Large-scale — motifs cut awkwardly in small shapes |
| Pressing behavior | Crisp fold retention after pressing Cotton | Fabrics that spring back after pressing |
| Grain | On-grain cutting preferred — less stretch in seams | Bias-cut edges — shapes distort with handling Grain |
▶ Our Verdict Premium quilting cotton like Art Gallery Fabrics or Kona is ideal for EPP — fine weave, crisp pressing, and enough body to hold the basted edges cleanly. Avoid loosely woven fabrics (they fray) and thick or stiff fabrics (hard to needle). Starch lightly before basting for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What needle size is best for English paper piecing?
A size 12 Straw needle (also called milliners needle) is the traditional EPP choice — fine enough to whip-stitch nearly invisible stitches through folded fabric edges. Many EPP quilters also use size 11–12 Between needles. The finer the needle, the more invisible the join line.
Can I use fat quarters for EPP?
Yes — fat quarters are an excellent format for EPP because you want many different fabrics in small amounts. Sorting a fat quarter collection by color family gives you a perfect EPP palette with variety across every shape in the design.