Learn the basics of paper piecing with experienced sewist Dana Marshall! Paper piecing takes fussy cutting (aka intentional cutting) to a whole new level. Highlight your favorite aspect of a fabric design or use up some scraps. It is up to you. In this class you will learn the basics of building quilt blocks by hand.

English paper piecing is a method of patchwork where fabric is wrapped around fabric shapes made of thin paper cardboard or heavy paper. Once the shapes are wrapped and ready, the sewer will hand sew the shapes together one at a time until the shapes become an intricate design. The paper or cardboard is removed once the shape has been sewn to another shape on all sides. This is an art for those who like to sew by hand.

The practice's name comes from the fact that it originated in England in the 1770s. Once a shape, bloc, rosette, or finished piece has been made, the papers are removed, leaving the fabric as the remaining item.

English paper piecing should not be confused with Foundation Paper Piecing, nor should its name be shortened to paper piecing. Calling it paper piecing only confuses the art of English Paper Piecing.

Foundation Paper Piecing uses paper to help create fabric shapes but it uses a sewing machine to sew the fabric shapes together along lines on the paper. Paper is removed after sewing. - wikipedia

If Foundation Paper Piecing piques your interest, check out Dana's class on the 17th of November!

Supply List for English Paper Piecing Basics
Starred items are available at The Sewing Machine Exchange

*Hand sewing needles such as Richard Hemming & Sons Milliners needles Size 11 or similar

*Nice quality sewing thread to match your project. The Sewing Machine Exchange carries all 423 solid Isacord colors, which would be suitable to use for this project.

*Hexagons for English Paper Piecing

*Temporary Glue Stick for Fabric

*Thimble or Thimble Pads

At least 2 different quilting cottons of your choosing. Prints smaller than the palm of your hand are best for fussy cutting. Smaller prints and calicos are excellent choices, too.

This is a great project for using larger scraps in your collection. You will want three fat quarters to get a good start. Scrap pieces should be no smaller than 3".

*A sharp pair of scissors