If you enjoy quilting and hand sewing, you will appreciate the English paper piecing technique. The technique makes it easy to create perfect-sized pieces. And you do not have to have a sewing machine to complete the work.
Below are 21 English paper piecing patterns we think you will enjoy working on. There are free sewing patterns as well as paid patterns. You can make anything from coasters to king size quilts.
What is English Paper Piecing?
English Paper piecing is also referred to as EPP. It is a sewing technique that uses paper patterns to create intricate designs. Unlike classic paper piecing, English paper piecing does not sew the fabric to the paper.
Instead, the pattern piece is laid on the fabric, and the fabric is sewed around it. Once the pattern pieces are sewn together, the paper templates are removed.
What are the Benefits of English Paper Piecing?
Intricate patterns can be difficult to sew. Arranging them and then sewing them together and getting the perfect seam allowance can be frustrating. With English paper piecing, you are eliminating the guesswork.
English paper piecing has many benefits, including:
- You can get the perfect seam allowance
- Complex designs are easy to sew
- Make great travel projects
- Patterns are easy to find
- You can make your own patterns
- Small pieces are easier to sew
- Requires very few tools
21 English Paper Piecing Patterns
1. A Quilters Dozen is a Mini Quilt Pattern using English Paper Piecing Hexagons from RaggyRobin
The Quilter’s Dozen is a mini quilt pattern that uses 12 different fabrics. The intricate pattern is created using English paper piercing. It is a great pattern for using up your scrap fabric.
To make the small quilt, you will need knowledge of hand sewing. The quilt can be completely sewed by hand or machine sewed. It can also be hand or machine quilted. Completed, the quilt will measure 20 inches x 24 inches (51 cm x 61 cm).
Find this Pattern from RaggyRobin Here
2. Y-knot English Papier Piecing Quilt Templates from ILoveToQuiltBySylwia
You can make up a set of these quilt placemats using the English paper piecing technique. The pattern is ideal for scrap fabric. The colour variations you can use are endless. Use bright colours for spring, oranges and black for Halloween, and reds and greens for Christmas.
The instant download includes PDF, SVG, and DFX files. Along with the English paper piecing templates are additional templates for tidy completion of the borders.
Find this Y-knot English Papier Piecing Quilt Here
3 . Hexagon Coaster Free English Paper Piecing Pattern from Swoodson Says
Here is an English paper piecing pattern that can be completed in one day. The free hand sewing project can even be finished in one day. It is a great project for using scrap fabric.
To make this pattern, all you need to do is make several 1 inch hexagons using your own pattern. Or you can sign up for the designer’s newsletter and download the free pattern.
Find Hexagon Coaster Free English Paper Piecing Pattern Here
4. Swallow Tattoo English Paper Piecing Pattern from DearStirling
Use this English paper piecing pattern to make beautiful birds to add to other projects. You can sew them on a quilt, pillow, jack, skirt, etc. The possibilities are endless.
The pattern is intended for those with previous knowledge of English paper piecing and flat back stitching. Completed, a single bird will measure approximately 6.25 inches (15.875 cm) x 6.25 inches (15.875 cm).
Find the Swallow Tattoo English Paper Piecing Pattern Here
5. Sew Chaotic Quilt Pattern for English Paper Piecing from CAVUFabrics
Grab all your scrap fabric and get busy making this chaotic quilt pattern. The pattern was designed and sewn during hurricane Laura. You can definitely tell where the artist got their inspiration.
Included in the PDF download are detailed instructions, visual references, tips, a checklist, piecing labels, and printable paper pieces. You can use the pattern to make a wall-hanging or a full-size quilt.
Find The Sew Chaotic Quilt Pattern Here
6. Seven Sisters EPP Block Pattern from Alittlecrispy
This is an interesting English paper piecing pattern that can be used as a quilt block or for a pin cushion. The pattern template includes 4 sizes. However, you can resize the pieces to create any size block you prefer.
The designer of this project has made it as beginner-friendly as possible. Along with the pattern pieces are directions for the English paper piecing basics. You will learn two EPP techniques along with tips & tricks.
Find the Pattern from alittlecrispy Here
7. Circles and Stars English Paper Pieced Quilt Pattern from VictoriaGertenbach
A confident beginner can complete the Circles and Stars quilt pattern. The designer has written the pattern in an easy and clear way. They have also provided several helpful tips.
With this English paper piecing pattern, you will learn how to hand-piece individual blocks. Included are full size printable pattern pieces and step-by-step instructions along with other helpful guides, links, and photographs.
The finished quilt will measure 20 inches (50.8 cm) x 20 inches (50.8 cm). To make it larger, simply add more blocks.
Find The Circles and Stars English Paper Pieced Quilt Pattern Here
8. Rainbow Hexagon Mini Quilt Pattern from Quilting Daily
Here is a quick and simple mini quilt pattern that uses the English paper piecing technique. It is a great free English paper piecing pattern for beginners or more experienced crafters searching for a small-scale project.
You will have a lot of fun choosing the colours for this quilt. Finished, it will measure approximately 19 inches (48.26 cm) square.
Find the Rainbow Hexagon Mini Quilt Pattern Here
9. Hexagon English Paper Pieced Quilt Pattern from YellowRoseQuiltCo
With this pattern, you can make 4 sizes of quilts. The sizing will depend on the size of the hexagons you choose to use. The pattern is great for making wall hangings all the way up to king size quilts.
Included with the pattern are a supplies list, required number of each colour of hexagon, a master template (of each size), strip cutting instructions, and a full colour image.
Find the Hexagon English Paper Pieced Quilt Pattern Here
10. Hexie English Paper Pieced Butterfly Pattern from RachaelannTextiles
Piece together a gorgeous butterfly while watching the television using this unique pattern. You can make the butterfly any size you wish by using larger or smaller hexagons.
The full colour instructions teach you how to create the butterfly and how to attach it to a backing fabric. It was designed for hand stitching.
Find the Hexie English Paper Pieced Butterfly Pattern Here
11. Hexie Hotpad Free English Paper Piercing Pattern from My Poppet Makers
Hot pads make great housewarming and Mother’s Day gifts. They are super handy and ideal for protecting surfaces.
The free English paper piecing tutorial includes a printable pattern and step-by-step instructions. There are also plenty of pictures to help you through the process.
Find the Hexie Hotpad Free English Paper Piercing Pattern Here
12. Butterfly Effect English Paper Piecing Pattern by lillyellastitchery
Butterfly quilts are wonderful decorations for spring and summer. With this EPP pattern, you can make a mini quilt, or a large quit.
The English paper piecing pattern creates a 24 inch (60.96 cm) square. To make a larger quilt, just continue the pattern outward. The download includes a printable pattern. If you want an SVG file, the designer will e-mail it to you.
Find the Pattern by lillyellastitchery HERE
13. Hexagon Sewing Organizer from NordicCrafter
This is a distinctive English paper piecing pattern. Instead of making a classic quilt or pillow cover, make a sewing organiser. It would make a great gift for any crafter.
Finished, the organiser will measure approximately 9.25 inches (23.5 cm) x 6.875 inches (17.5 cm) when open.
Find the Pattern from NordicCrafter HERE
14 . Butterfly Tattoo English Paper Pieced Quilt Pattern from DearStirling
Learn how to make a butterfly based on a traditional tattoo with this intermediate level pattern. You can use this butterfly on a wide variety of projects, from quilts to clothing.
Included in the download are basic instructions, suggested assembly order, tips, pattern, and a colouring sheet. The finished size is approximately 7.5 inches (19.05 cm) x 6 inches (15.24 cm).
Find The Pattern from DearStirling HERE
15. EPP Hexie Caterpillar Pattern from RachaelannTextiles
Children will love this adorable little caterpillar. The English paper piecing pattern can be used to make mini quilts, regular quilts, tote bags, and more.
Included are full colour instructions that will teach you how to make the caterpillar and how to attach it to a backing fabric. The pattern is ideal for people that enjoy hand stitching.
Find the Pattern from RachaelannTextiles HERE
16. Heat Pack with Pretty Hexie Flower Pattern from Molly and Mama
Heat packs are usually unsightly. Why use an ugly heat pack when you can make this beautiful one? The free English paper piecing pattern will create a 7 inch (17.78 cm) heat pack. It is a very easy project that is an ideal first EPP project.
Find The Pattern from Molly and Mama HereERE
17. Double Ruby Ring English Paper Pieced Quilt Pattern from michellebartholomew
Make a double wedding ring inspired quilt using the English paper piecing technique. This pattern puts a fun spin on the classic design. For a more traditional look, limit your colour palette. Or choose a wide array of colours to make a confetti version.
The download includes a PDF file and cutting machine files. You can print the pattern pieces at home or use your craft cutting machine (Cricut and Silhouette).
Find The Pattern from michellebartholomew Here
18. EPP Hexie Ladybird Pattern from RachaelannTextiles
Get ready for spring with this adorable ladybird pattern. You can use the English paper pieced bug on quilts, pillows, tote bags, and more.
The full colour instructions teach you how to create the bug and how to attach it to a backing fabric. It was designed for hand stitching.
Find The Pattern from RachaelannTextiles Here
19. Fruity Pineapple Quilted Placemat Pattern from Wild Olive
Pineapples represent hospitality and friendship. Next time you have a dinner party have a set of these cute placemats ready to greet your guests.
The placemat is fairly simple to complete. Instead of creating your own hexagon template, you can download a free English paper piecing template on the Wild Olive blog.
Find the Pattern from Wild Olive Here
20. Evermore An English Paper Pieced Quilt Pattern from LogCabinQuiltery
Make this English paper piecing quilt pattern with your leftover jelly roll strips or other strips of stash fabric.
Included are easy-to-follow directions for making a lap quilt, table runner, pillow, or baby quilt. To complete this pattern, you will need prior English paper piecing experience. This is a PDF file only.
Find the Pattern from LogCabinQuiltery Here
21. Dachshund Dog English Paper Pieced Quilt Pattern from themakerAU
Here is a super cute English paper piecing dachshund pattern. Make this for yourself or for someone who loves their wiener dog. Use the pattern to make a mini quilt or a cushion cover.
This pattern requires beginner to medium level skills. There are no curves to sew. The finished block will measure about 20 inches (50.8 cm) long x 14 inches (35.56 cm) tall.
Find the Pattern from themakerAU Here
Are you ready to learn a new sewing technique? Give English paper piecing a try.
If you like these patterns, you may also want to check out our Bow Tie patterns, Wedding Quilt Patterns, Tshirt Quilt Patterns, Yellow Brick Road Quilt Patterns and more on our Quilting Archives for inspiration.
Quilting is a lot of fun, and the finished projects always make great gifts. If you are looking to change things up a bit and learn something new, give English paper piecing a try. And share your experience on our facebook Page.
