Ms Emma, I have been quilting my entire life, beginning with teachings from my grandmother. I love looking at quilting videos, but yours is the first where you show all the mistakes made as examples of what not to do. You are a good story teller of your craft and I know new quilters will appreciate your advice! Cheers!
Emma, you have such beautiful fabrics! I especially like the delicate flowers. I have been a garment and craft sewest for 67 years. I only recently started watching people doing epp. I haven’t tried it yet but, the main advantage that I see to your style of teaching, compared to all of the other videos I’ve watched, is that you showed us a variety of mistakes to avoid. That is VERY helpful for someone considering trying it! Thank you, very much! Another difference I noticed right away, is that you piece with a variety of shapes, not just hexagons.
Isn't she wonderful, such a calming voice, a real pleasure to listen to. A fantastic video with lots of helpful hints and tips to improve our EPP projects. Thanks Emma 😍
I haven't sewn for a while, had a stroke, not bad but I started to decorate, couldn't finish before end of summer. Now the winter months I have been sewing again, I love it so much. I found my Liberty cross stitch book and thought of your channel, such pretty delicate designs. I still have the EPPs that I made a while back think Ill have to check them over now :) Thank you for sharing the tips, so useful.
Hi Alison Mary, hope you are feeling better. Same here had a stroke as well and have discovered Sewing by hand. Wonderful therapy for the hands, heart and soul. Watching Emma’s video it has been a lovely inspiration.
Hi Emma Jones. I love your video. Some points that kept me hooked on: your calm voice; no Quilt Police allowed; you have shown and spoke about your past mistakes (that’s how others can learn as well) and I was happy and sorry to see (😮) that you’ve stabbed you nail a couple of times. I am not alone. Have been doing some appliqué and stabbed my finger nail a couple of times 😊. Lovely video. Thanks for sharing. sorry long msg.
The glue.... GLUE!!!!! what a game changer! I learned to baste each piece with Needle and thread before attaching to each other! Gluing will speed things up IMMENSELY! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
I stumbled onto your channel while searching tutorials since I couldn’t sleep. What a blessing your tutorial was perfect in every way. I have been struggling with sewing this new project. One of the first issues you addressed was pulling fabric to tightly. I was concentrating on getting my corners straight, square and in place. I couldn’t figure out what I had done differently. Now I see. I learned to stitch from Kate at the Last Homely House several years ago while she was making a quilt for her new granddaughter. One trick she did was 3 stitches in each corner. Has worked very well with the knot. Going to check a few more
Thank you so much Emma. You are such a pleasure to watch and have such a lovely, calming voice. I started doing EPP after being inspired by your early videos. I got frustrated when my pieces weren't turning out nicely and now I know why. You covered all of the issues I was having and I so appreciate it! Now I will start again with much enjoyment instead of frustration. THANK YOU! 💖
I'm in the midst of a Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt and I began using fabric glue. I made every mistake you have mentioned, so I switched to thread basting and it is SO much easier. Also, there is a bit more forgiveness if my paper piece is just a tiny bit "off". All that being said, the glue method is a bit faster and " crisper", if you get it right. Thank you for these tips!
Thank you for mentioning this. I am new to EPP. Waiting for my first kit. The UA-cam video for it showed thread basting. I worried it might be too difficult as the pieces are a bit larger than the small hexies shown on his channel. I also wondered whether it was just an old fashion way of doing the basting. You've convinced me it's worth trying. My hands hurt after a lot of hand work so having the fabric a little more pliable might be a good thing.
Totally agree with wrapping the material too tight as a problem. This is my first EPP project (grandmothers garden) and I've wrapped my material too tightly. Its murder on the fingers! contemplating starting again on the pieces I've already glued.
Hi. This is such a useful video. The star joining in particular was great. I always get the " hole ". Also, I always get the nibbled edges on my card. I thought that was quite a normal thing, but annoying as I can't reuse the shape. Thank you so much for making all the tiniest details of EPP really clear. Your explanations are super helpful. Xx
I started my first EPP almost 2 years ago and have been working on it off and on since then. I love that I can work on my EPP project while doing other things like watching Tv and talking to people.
This is why I prefer to just baste my fabric around my templates without going through them. It has been weeks l, even months, now since I've touched them, so the glue could have made my project quite difficult, and no.longer fun.😊 Your medallions are beautiful, Emma!
Another great educational video Emma! Very helpful examples and explains some of the issues I have faced doing EPP. Can’t wait to try out your suggestions later tonight 😊
I am interested in EPP this is the first video I’m starting with. You did a great job, very informative & encouraging ~ thank you! I’m excited to get started 😊
Wonderful video Emma. The biggest transformation to my EPP came when I saw you stitching by plying the needle away from yourself. I had never thought of that. I had always stitched towards myself and quickly got a sore right hand as a result and could never stitch for long. No more aching hand for me now because I copied you! Thank you!
I am so glad seeing that helped you! I have actually been criticised online by people for stitching that way! Because it's not conventional. But it works for me so that should be all that matters shouldn't it. Thank you so much for watching
I really appreciate this video and all the helpful tips. I am not new to sewing, but am new to EPP, having been inspired by Kate at The Last Homely House. I still learned a lot from Emma. I hope I can find similar lights on this side of the “pond”. Beautiful work!
thank you Jane. so glad you found it helpful. With the lights, they ship to the US for free and they also put the correct plug on it so I believe. thanks for watching
I took up paper piecing about 5 years ago and it is my favorite type of quilting. I have always loved hand sewing and this allows me a project that will be beautiful. I learned from your video a couple of things that will help me. It makes sense now after watching your video that I had my fabric too tight on my diamonds. I will probably have less chewed up templates now, thank you!
Wonderful video, really great demonstrations explaining your clever tips. The close camera work explains everything you are saying ,so clearly. Thankyou ,for all the helpful instructions on paper piecing ,they certainly explained why I wasn't getting a neat finish. I think I am ready to try again now .
Thank you for your helpful advice! I'm not a huge sewer, so there's always flubs and flaws in my work. Seeing your examples of mistakes and corrections is very useful! Greetings from Baltimore, Maryland, USA😊
THANKS so much--This is one of your BEST Videos ever! All these little tips are so helpful. I am always trying to improve & it helps to see up close how to do that. I am so guilty of wrapping my shapes too tight & not leaving enough seam allowance.
oh thank you! I am so glad you think so, really means a lot. I hope making those little adjustments will mean you epp goes more smoothly now. Thanks for watching
I am very new to EPP so your video is very helpful. Your instructions are precise and clear. Even more helpful are the tips on what not to do! Thank you Emma. I've subscribed and given it a 👍
I'm a long time quilter but a house move and eye problems drove me to hand sewing. I've loved EPP but have found I've made a lot of the mistakes you were talking about here. Thanks for the help.
Fabulous video Emma. I have lots of basted pieces but you’ve now given me the confidence to start putting them together. It’s possibly the most informative EPP starter guide I’ve seen. Thank you 🌸
Thank you for all your hints. I usually use Auriful #50 for all my sewing Inc,using EPP but I’m going to get some #80 when I go to a big show in a couple weeks where I will be able to find vendors at the show and throughout the area more easily than I can where I live! Plus I’m going to try a few other colors as I only have #2600 Dove right now! I just found you and I’ll definitely be watching your other videos!
I sometimes run the thread under the fold to go for one piece to the next. As long as I haven’t glued to close to the edge.. I love epp , it is so therapeutic. I now have lots of hexi flowers. Got to start using them to make something. Hello from Australia.
Thanks, Emma, there are some very useful tips here, especially the one about avoiding a hole in the middle of a star and beginning to stitch in the middle and working outwards instead.
This is a fantastic video. I am brand new to English paper, piecing, and I’ve been debating about whether to learn to put them together by machine or by hand. Your tips are so helpful as starting something new can be a little on the frustrating side. I appreciate your sharing what didn’t work quite so well and what you did to fix it.
Thank you for this video ! I began this EPP journey a little over a year ago so I can keep my hands busy on trips and such . I watched lots of videos to learn techniques but must say I truly enjoyed learning to relax and not put too much pressure on myself and enjoy the process from you ! Btw , Iam from Maryland, USA !
I'm SO enjoying rediscovering EPP after a gap of 50yr!! Thank you for your lovely calming videos. I've learnt how to it properly now! Better late than never.😊
Great video! I agreed with all your tips. I’ve seen instructions suggesting as few as six stitches per inch! 😮 Your recommendation to keep stitches no more than an 1/8” of an inch apart (a minimum of 16 an inch) is perfect. I also agree about Aurifil 80 weight. I saw a great blog post about about testing threads by sewing two pieces together and then pulling them apart. You want the thread to break before the fabric rips but not break too easily. When I test 80 weight like that, the pieces pop apart easily. I find some polyester threads are too strong and rip the fabric in the test, so I just keep sticking with Aurifil 50 weight. It takes force to pull apart but does break without ripping the fabric, which is ideal for potential future repairs. One thing I don’t think you mentioned, but maybe I missed it, is to be careful to only pick up a couple threads of the fabric on each side so that the stitches aren’t too “deep” which really shows on the front. ❤
What an interesting thread test. Sounds like 50wt is a happy medium. I didn't mention just taking a few threads either side but you are so right and that's a great tip. Thanks so much for watching Kara, happy stitching!
Great tutorial! Wish I would’ve seen this 4 years ago when I started my never-ending hexi quilt. I now see that my problem has been gluing the fabric on too tight. Looking forward to my stitches being much easier going forward!
Emma, I am a newbie of EPP, actually 24 hours old, hehehe. Your tutorial is wonderful 💖. Thank you so very much for your teaching, your voice is so captivating. Keep up the great work!
Thank You ! I’m recently retired and I’m a quilter… wanting to start paper piecing… this has answered a lot of my questions … can’t wait to start ! 🤗❤️😘🙏🌹
Oh, thank you so much, Idid not know I was wrapping my fabric too tightly. This explains why the EPP was not optimum for me. This is now a game changer!
Such a great video, Emma! You gave lots of wonderful tips that were very helpful to me! I appreciate you helping all of us learn more about English Paper Piecing!!❤️
I’m just beginning my journey with EPP. Your video is very helpful. I just realized that I’m folding my fabric too tight and that’s why I struggle to sew them together. You gave lots of helpful tips in your tutorial. Thank you!💖💖💖
Your usual full video Emma. It's good to see where you have become a better EPP stitcher. These tips are extremely useful to beginners. Hope you and your family are well and will have a great 2023. 🤗
I was having a bit of trouble with glue basting (I’m using 3/4” hexies with a 3/8” seam allowance - I like a little extra in case the paper piece shifts a bit) - I then saw another lady using the glue on every other side first instead of doing each side in sequence - I haven’t tried it yet but I think - it will work for me - that this will solve my problem with using just a little bit larger seam allowance on a small hexie!!! If this doesn’t help, I’ll just cut a little off each side and hope for the best😁😁😁
This is so, so helpful! Ive been trying to learn this, off and on, for a few years. Never really knew why it was so difficult. You are a really good teacher: clear, kind, encouraging. ❤
Hi, new subbie here. Your video has made me feel like I can do an English piece project. Never done one or seen this paper method till I started watching quilting videos. In my mid-sixties I'm going to attempt a quilt. A very, very simple pattern. Probably just large squares for my first. I remember helping my mom cut out patterns to piece together. She would make her own and we kids would cut the hundreds of pieces of fabric in the shapes she decided on. She never used the paper piece method. As we cut out the amount she needed she'd be sewing her pieces together by machine. I can see how the English piece method would be much easier to handle. I've only made small quilts using one piece of fabric, batting, & back fabric for my grandson and have put them together by hand. I enjoy sewing by hand, and quilting the pieces together by hand yarn knots. Loved your video and you are a great teacher.
Miss Emma, youre amazing! I appreciate what you have shown us all here in this video. You took your time to show us. THAT alone is appreciated by my greatly. God bless you and may you continue teaching us all.
I really like your tips! My first EPP quilt was quite big and I also did not secure the thread at every junction. This was a problem when I got the quilt professionally long arm quilted. My thread (bottom line poly thread in a muddy colour) broke at several spots. Completely not the longarmes fault. I went back and stitched all the gaps closed. Now it sits on my couch and gives me joy every time I look at it :) I prefer thread basting instead of glue basting. There you normally do not have a problem wit a too small gap between paper and fabric. My hand cut papers were not fully exact but with a little finagleing it worked out ok. But my shapes were not too small, I believe that helped. Now I have a paper punch to get exact hexies for my next project.
Your videos are so calming and soothing! Your tips are so helpful too! Thanks for taking the time to make these videos to help us achieve our dream projects! 🌸
Thank you so much for creating this outstanding video. I haven't done EPP in some time now. I still have a large panel of grandmother's flower garden that's so poorly made I never finished it. I didn't knot between my hexies, and the weight of the paper on the outer perimeter of the quilt top made it start to pull apart. The other mistake I made was not using enough contrast with value and color. When looking at it, one couldn't see the individual flowers. It's too much work for a bad design.
It was interesting to see your technique: I use a much shorter and finer needle and hold the pieces so that I'm bringing the needle from back to front, which is the opposite of how you stitch. I did see one thing in your technique that would have caused my teacher to scold: she always said that each stitch should be one fluid motion: in the stitches you are taking in the video, you push the needle twice going into the fabric. I found that working on that did speed up my stitching, though I acknowledge it isn't a race. (My current project has 3,407 1-inch hexies, so I need to keep it going!) I was also trained to use a thimble for handsewing, so my needle gets the extra boost from my middle finger when stitching. Always fascinating to see how others do their craft.
I’m sorry you had a teacher that would scold, that’s not the type of teacher I am, I encourage everyone to find the way that is most comfortable for them, there’s no right and wrong! Also, keep in mind that I am stitching with a large camera right in front of me, and I am thinking about the angle, focus, and how to capture it so that the viewer can see what I am doing clearly. It’s different when I am just sewing for myself without a camera in the way. Thanks for watching 😊
I am new to EPP and this was the most helpful video I've seen about EPP. When you explain slowly, clearly, and calmly I am able to retain the knowledge. You're an excellent teacher and my "go-to" for EPP knowledge. 💜💙 thank you for all that you do.
Thank you for sharing your tips as a new comer to paper piecing l found your tips very useful.I had been sewing into the paper edges and wasn't sure why thanks to you l now know how to fix that 😀
So glad i watched this. I do most of these things, although I thread Baste. I never thought of using a continuous thread. Thanks for the tip. Also about sewing two halves and then sewing those together. May try something other than hexies now, lol. ❤
Thank you Emma for another relaxing video full of wonderful tips for improving our English Paper Piecing. It was good to see the examples of what not to do as well as your beautifully sewn items. ❤
Thankyou Emma, I think I have been making all the mistakes you highlighted with my glue pen, and am left with shapes with serrated edges. I have been die cutting my hexi's from thin card to use what I have. The star centre tip is so helpful. Keep well
Yesterday I spent time stitching … switched from my QAYO project to EPP. I realized that my older hands (79 years) and arthritis isn’t as much of an issue as vision problems. I wear glasses with progressive lenses … have pretty good lighting … but, I’m wondering if a magnifying light is to be my next step. Thank you, Emma for your tips and tricks! I appreciate you and what you do for your UA-cam community! 🧵
Happy New Year Emma , nice seeing you again , look forward to ure videos . Thanks for the tips u shared that u come across while stitching . Thanks . Take care .
Very interesting and helpful my sewing was rubbish to start with and by trial and error and your helpful tips it is looking so much better. One thing I can see I do that mention is pulling the fabric to tight, having arthritis in my hands that’s very important because as you say to tight puts so much strain fighting to get the needle through so a very good tip. Thank Emma
As I make most of my quilts by hand, I have been wanting to try EPP. Thank you so much for posting this very informative video. You have a lovely, calming voice and your background music is so relaxing.
I absolutely love English paper piecing! I learned about this several years ago and have been sewing hexies for years. It is so fun and relaxing. I only use cotton thread and I love seeing the stitch work as you'd said. I print off full 8 1/2 x 11" grids of hexies and cut them with scissors. I also sometimes draw my own shapes from a template into used copy paper so as not to waste paper. Your tips were spot on and I also learned from you as well. I honestly didn't know there were so many different paper piecing shapes. Love it! I'm going to have to explore those shapes. Your work and fabric selections are beautiful and very inspiring.
Thank you for making this very helpful video, for editing and posting it for all of us to learn from it. I greatly admire your willingness to show the types of issues you came across when you first began this lovely craft of EPP, and they’re things I won’t forget when I start to do more than simply make hexie flowers to be appliquéd on backgrounds. I’m a bit nervous about sewing them all together with hexies in between the flowers, because I use the flat-back stitching method rather than whip-stitching (as like you mentioned, some of us don’t like the look of being able to see those stitches in the front of the piece). Hopefully it won’t be too onerous to sew whole sections of EPP together using the flat-back stitching method (I may just need to do it on a table top, rather than in my lap as I have been sewing the smaller flower units). Thanks again Emma, you’ve got me excited about EPP again! ~Diana K.🇨🇦
Thanks for a very helpful video. I have struggled with some of these problems. This is such a good reminder for me. I especially like the thread discussion. It was comforting that you do use polyester thread. I have been criticized for using that here in the states. Many people I know have become very snobbish at how quilting should be done. I like how you encourage knowing what kind of choices are available.
there definitely is a lot of stigma and judgement in quilting at times and this can be off putting to new people coming to the craft, which is not what we want at all, we want to keep it going. I think we should always keep an open mind to new ways, and above all, just enjoy it! Thanks so much for watching.
@Emma Jones Vintage Sewing Box I completely agree.I have been quilting since 84. It has made me not want to hang out with local quilt groups anymore. I like how you share possible ways to do things. Then you remind us to do what works. I am glad to try new methods.
I wish I would've found this video when I started English paper piecing it would have helped me tremendously I did find out a few things on my own but this would have really helped I will definitely use these tips whenever I piece again
Ms Emma, I have been quilting my entire life, beginning with teachings from my grandmother. I love looking at quilting videos, but yours is the first where you show all the mistakes made as examples of what not to do. You are a good story teller of your craft and I know new quilters will appreciate your advice! Cheers!
Thank you so much! I do hope it’s useful to beginners 😊
I am in admiration of your video teaching! Thank you. I am very new to quilting but have now made a few items. Have lots to learn!!
Emma, you have such beautiful fabrics! I especially like the delicate flowers. I have been a garment and craft sewest for 67 years. I only recently started watching people doing epp. I haven’t tried it yet but, the main advantage that I see to your style of teaching, compared to all of the other videos I’ve watched, is that you showed us a variety of mistakes to avoid. That is VERY helpful for someone considering trying it! Thank you, very much! Another difference I noticed right away, is that you piece with a variety of shapes, not just hexagons.
Emma, if you punch a hole in the center of the paper shape,you can pop the paper out with a crochet hook!
@paulamadison3673 Do you punch the hole before attaching the fabric or after?
Thank you for this!!! ❤️
@@shirleyclick6968 , punch the hole before you attach the fabric
Isn't she wonderful, such a calming voice, a real pleasure to listen to. A fantastic video with lots of helpful hints and tips to improve our EPP projects. Thanks Emma 😍
Thank you so much!
I haven't sewn for a while, had a stroke, not bad but I started to decorate, couldn't finish before end of summer. Now the winter months I have been sewing again, I love it so much. I found my Liberty cross stitch book and thought of your channel, such pretty delicate designs. I still have the EPPs that I made a while back think Ill have to check them over now :) Thank you for sharing the tips, so useful.
I'm so glad you feel better🥰
I'm so sorry you've been suffering with your health, good to hear you are ok now and back to stitching. Thanks so much for watching, happy stitching!
Sending hugs!
Hi Alison Mary, hope you are feeling better. Same here had a stroke as well and have discovered Sewing by hand. Wonderful therapy for the hands, heart and soul. Watching Emma’s video it has been a lovely
inspiration.
Hi Emma Jones. I love your video. Some points that kept me hooked on: your calm voice; no Quilt Police allowed; you have shown and spoke about your past mistakes (that’s how others can learn as well) and I was happy and sorry to see (😮) that you’ve stabbed you nail a couple of times. I am not alone. Have been doing some appliqué and stabbed my finger nail a couple of times 😊. Lovely video. Thanks for sharing. sorry long msg.
The glue.... GLUE!!!!! what a game changer! I learned to baste each piece with Needle and thread before attaching to each other! Gluing will speed things up IMMENSELY!
THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
Yes, glue is definitely a game changer!😊
I stumbled onto your channel while searching tutorials since I couldn’t sleep. What a blessing your tutorial was perfect in every way. I have been struggling with sewing this new project. One of the first issues you addressed was pulling fabric to tightly. I was concentrating on getting my corners straight, square and in place. I couldn’t figure out what I had done differently. Now I see. I learned to stitch from Kate at the Last Homely House several years ago while she was making a quilt for her new granddaughter. One trick she did was 3 stitches in each corner. Has worked very well with the knot. Going to check a few more
It's very humble of you to share your "mistakes" made on your learning curve with us
Thank you so much Emma. You are such a pleasure to watch and have such a lovely, calming voice. I started doing EPP after being inspired by your early videos. I got frustrated when my pieces weren't turning out nicely and now I know why. You covered all of the issues I was having and I so appreciate it! Now I will start again with much enjoyment instead of frustration. THANK YOU! 💖
I'm so happy to hear this video was useful, wishing you many happy hours of stitching, thank you for watching x
I'm in the midst of a Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt and I began using fabric glue. I made every mistake you have mentioned, so I switched to thread basting and it is SO much easier. Also, there is a bit more forgiveness if my paper piece is just a tiny bit "off". All that being said, the glue method is a bit faster and " crisper", if you get it right. Thank you for these tips!
I never thought of gluing. Think I might cross that off my list of things to try now though, especially since glue and I have never been friends!
Thank you for mentioning this. I am new to EPP. Waiting for my first kit. The UA-cam video for it showed thread basting. I worried it might be too difficult as the pieces are a bit larger than the small hexies shown on his channel. I also wondered whether it was just an old fashion way of doing the basting. You've convinced me it's worth trying. My hands hurt after a lot of hand work so having the fabric a little more pliable might be a good thing.
Totally agree with wrapping the material too tight as a problem. This is my first EPP project (grandmothers garden) and I've wrapped my material too tightly. Its murder on the fingers! contemplating starting again on the pieces I've already glued.
Hi. This is such a useful video. The star joining in particular was great. I always get the " hole ". Also, I always get the nibbled edges on my card. I thought that was quite a normal thing, but annoying as I can't reuse the shape. Thank you so much for making all the tiniest details of EPP really clear. Your explanations are super helpful. Xx
great to hear this was useful for you Nicky, thanks for watching x
I started my first EPP almost 2 years ago and have been working on it off and on since then. I love that I can work on my EPP project while doing other things like watching Tv and talking to people.
This is why I prefer to just baste my fabric around my templates without going through them. It has been weeks l, even months, now since I've touched them, so the glue could have made my project quite difficult, and no.longer fun.😊
Your medallions are beautiful, Emma!
Another great educational video Emma! Very helpful examples and explains some of the issues I have faced doing EPP. Can’t wait to try out your suggestions later tonight 😊
yay! I am so happy to hear it was helpful, thank you for watching
I am interested in EPP this is the first video I’m starting with. You did a great job, very informative & encouraging ~ thank you! I’m excited to get started 😊
Wonderful video Emma. The biggest transformation to my EPP came when I saw you stitching by plying the needle away from yourself. I had never thought of that. I had always stitched towards myself and quickly got a sore right hand as a result and could never stitch for long. No more aching hand for me now because I copied you! Thank you!
I am so glad seeing that helped you! I have actually been criticised online by people for stitching that way! Because it's not conventional. But it works for me so that should be all that matters shouldn't it. Thank you so much for watching
Thankyou Emma I’ve just started epp good tips there
glad you found it useful, happy stitching!
I really appreciate this video and all the helpful tips. I am not new to sewing, but am new to EPP, having been inspired by Kate at The Last Homely House. I still learned a lot from Emma. I hope I can find similar lights on this side of the “pond”. Beautiful work!
thank you Jane. so glad you found it helpful. With the lights, they ship to the US for free and they also put the correct plug on it so I believe. thanks for watching
Thank you Emma! You are so kind and sweet to share things that you have learned along the way.
I took up paper piecing about 5 years ago and it is my favorite type of quilting. I have always loved hand sewing and this allows me a project that will be beautiful. I learned from your video a couple of things that will help me. It makes sense now after watching your video that I had my fabric too tight on my diamonds. I will probably have less chewed up templates now, thank you!
So glad you liked the video, thanks for watching
This was "by far" the best video covering the EPP system for diamonds..Thank you so much ❤
Wow, thank you!
Wonderful video, really great demonstrations explaining your clever tips. The close camera work explains everything you are saying ,so clearly. Thankyou ,for all the helpful instructions on paper piecing ,they certainly explained why I wasn't getting a neat finish. I think I am ready to try again now .
I am so glad you found value in this video Jude. Thanks so much for watching and for your lovely comment, means so much to me
Thank you for your helpful advice! I'm not a huge sewer, so there's always flubs and flaws in my work. Seeing your examples of mistakes and corrections is very useful! Greetings from Baltimore, Maryland, USA😊
Glad it was helpful!
THANKS so much--This is one of your BEST Videos ever! All these little tips are so helpful. I am always trying to improve & it helps to see up close how to do that. I am so guilty of wrapping my shapes too tight & not leaving enough seam allowance.
oh thank you! I am so glad you think so, really means a lot. I hope making those little adjustments will mean you epp goes more smoothly now. Thanks for watching
I am very new to EPP so your video is very helpful. Your instructions are precise and clear. Even more helpful are the tips on what not to do!
Thank you Emma. I've subscribed and given it a 👍
Oh thank you! I really appreciate your kind words and thank you for liking and subscribing 🌸
I'm a long time quilter but a house move and eye problems drove me to hand sewing. I've loved EPP but have found I've made a lot of the mistakes you were talking about here. Thanks for the help.
Fabulous video Emma. I have lots of basted pieces but you’ve now given me the confidence to start putting them together. It’s possibly the most informative EPP starter guide I’ve seen. Thank you 🌸
Thank you for all your hints. I usually use Auriful #50 for all my sewing Inc,using EPP but I’m going to get some #80 when I go to a big show in a couple weeks where I will be able to find vendors at the show and throughout the area more easily than I can where I live! Plus I’m going to try a few other colors as I only have #2600 Dove right now! I just found you and I’ll definitely be watching your other videos!
Always love watching, usually more then twice. I learn and retain so much I’ll be 80 this year, I’ll cancel my sewing kit I requested. .
Thank you so much for watching, it really means a lot to me
Those are great tips for beginers to take throughout your quilting journey. Thanks for sharing!
I am so glad you think so, thank you for watching
Awesome video Emma!!! Thank you for all of the tips. I am new to EPP and it's nice to know that I'm not the only one who makes mistakes.
Glad it was helpful! 😊
I sometimes run the thread under the fold to go for one piece to the next. As long as I haven’t glued to close to the edge.. I love epp , it is so therapeutic. I now have lots of hexi flowers. Got to start using them to make something. Hello from Australia.
That's a great idea! Thanks for watching
It's a GOLDEN TIPS that you shared with us so kindly & generously, Thank you so much 🙏 dear beautiful lady...
You got a new subscriber ✅💝
Thank you so much!
Thanks Emma this has been a ver helpful video.
Thanks, Emma, there are some very useful tips here, especially the one about avoiding a hole in the middle of a star and beginning to stitch in the middle and working outwards instead.
I am so glad it was useful, thank you for watching
This is a fantastic video. I am brand new to English paper, piecing, and I’ve been debating about whether to learn to put them together by machine or by hand. Your tips are so helpful as starting something new can be a little on the frustrating side. I appreciate your sharing what didn’t work quite so well and what you did to fix it.
I love how you explain in detail each part of the process.That helps so very much. Thanks again for sharing your talents. God bless !!😊
thank you! That's great feedback for me as I always worry I may be too slow or wordy in my approach. Thanks for watching
Great tips for us beginners. Thank you so much!
so glad you liked it, thanks for watching
Very well explained, love your style of teaching, very calm and clear.
Thank you for the honest evaluation. I realize now I’m guilty of pulling the fabric too tight when I’m basting.
hopefully by adjusting that a bit it will help you going forward. Thanks for watching
Thank you for this video ! I began this EPP journey a little over a year ago so I can keep my hands busy on trips and such . I watched lots of videos to learn techniques but must say I truly enjoyed learning to relax and not put too much pressure on myself and enjoy the process from you ! Btw , Iam from Maryland, USA !
oh that is such a lovely comment, thank you, I can't tell you what that means to me.
I'm SO enjoying rediscovering EPP after a gap of 50yr!! Thank you for your lovely calming videos. I've learnt how to it properly now! Better late than never.😊
Wonderful! I hope you love getting back into it, thanks for watching
Great video! I agreed with all your tips. I’ve seen instructions suggesting as few as six stitches per inch! 😮 Your recommendation to keep stitches no more than an 1/8” of an inch apart (a minimum of 16 an inch) is perfect.
I also agree about Aurifil 80 weight. I saw a great blog post about about testing threads by sewing two pieces together and then pulling them apart. You want the thread to break before the fabric rips but not break too easily. When I test 80 weight like that, the pieces pop apart easily. I find some polyester threads are too strong and rip the fabric in the test, so I just keep sticking with Aurifil 50 weight. It takes force to pull apart but does break without ripping the fabric, which is ideal for potential future repairs.
One thing I don’t think you mentioned, but maybe I missed it, is to be careful to only pick up a couple threads of the fabric on each side so that the stitches aren’t too “deep” which really shows on the front. ❤
What an interesting thread test. Sounds like 50wt is a happy medium. I didn't mention just taking a few threads either side but you are so right and that's a great tip. Thanks so much for watching Kara, happy stitching!
Another helpful calming video Emma, thank you 😊
thank you Carole x
Have not told you how very much I enjoy your work..Thank you for sharing your wisdom and instruction..
oh thank you! that means a lot
Great tutorial! Wish I would’ve seen this 4 years ago when I started my never-ending hexi quilt. I now see that my problem has been gluing the fabric on too tight. Looking forward to my stitches being much easier going forward!
Emma, I am a newbie of EPP, actually 24 hours old, hehehe. Your tutorial is wonderful 💖. Thank you so very much for your teaching, your voice is so captivating. Keep up the great work!
You are so welcome! Thank you for watching!🌸
Thank You ! I’m recently retired and I’m a quilter… wanting to start paper piecing… this has answered a lot of my questions … can’t wait to start ! 🤗❤️😘🙏🌹
so glad it was useful Sandra
Oh, thank you so much, Idid not know I was wrapping my fabric too tightly. This explains why the EPP was not optimum for me. This is now a game changer!
Glad I could help!
From one lady to another, your voice is absolutely lovely! I'm not a sewer but I'm going to listen anyway 😊
Thank you so much 🙂
Such a great video, Emma! You gave lots of wonderful tips that were very helpful to me! I appreciate you helping all of us learn more about English Paper Piecing!!❤️
You are so welcome! 😊
I’m just beginning my journey with EPP. Your video is very helpful. I just realized that I’m folding my fabric too tight and that’s why I struggle to sew them together. You gave lots of helpful tips in your tutorial. Thank you!💖💖💖
You are so welcome! I’m so glad it was useful
Your usual full video Emma. It's good to see where you have become a better EPP stitcher. These tips are extremely useful to beginners. Hope you and your family are well and will have a great 2023. 🤗
Thanks so much! 😊 Wishing you and your family a wonderful year too
I was having a bit of trouble with glue basting (I’m using 3/4” hexies with a 3/8” seam allowance - I like a little extra in case the paper piece shifts a bit) - I then saw another lady using the glue on every other side first instead of doing each side in sequence - I haven’t tried it yet but I think - it will work for me - that this will solve my problem with using just a little bit larger seam allowance on a small hexie!!! If this doesn’t help, I’ll just cut a little off each side and hope for the best😁😁😁
Thank you for the tips. I started English paper piecing after watching you and I love it! You’re right…it is very relaxing. 🌸💖
You are so welcome!
This is so, so helpful! Ive been trying to learn this, off and on, for a few years. Never really knew why it was so difficult. You are a really good teacher: clear, kind, encouraging. ❤
Glad it was helpful! Thank you for your kind words
Great tips & information! I am definitely going to switch to polyester thread! Great to see you again, Emma!👏👏👏
so glad it was useful Grace, thanks so much for watching
Thanks for all of your useful tips and information for EPP.
Glad you like them Annette!
Hi, new subbie here. Your video has made me feel like I can do an English piece project. Never done one or seen this paper method till I started watching quilting videos. In my mid-sixties I'm going to attempt a quilt. A very, very simple pattern. Probably just large squares for my first. I remember helping my mom cut out patterns to piece together. She would make her own and we kids would cut the hundreds of pieces of fabric in the shapes she decided on. She never used the paper piece method. As we cut out the amount she needed she'd be sewing her pieces together by machine. I can see how the English piece method would be much easier to handle. I've only made small quilts using one piece of fabric, batting, & back fabric for my grandson and have put them together by hand. I enjoy sewing by hand, and quilting the pieces together by hand yarn knots. Loved your video and you are a great teacher.
oh thank you Mary! I think you will love the paper pieced method, have fun making your quilt, let me know how you get on
Thank you for these really useful tips, I appreciate that these only come with experience.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching
Miss Emma, youre amazing! I appreciate what you have shown us all here in this video. You took your time to show us. THAT alone is appreciated by my greatly. God bless you and may you continue teaching us all.
Thank you so much!
I found it interesting to watch how you sew, I have always pointed the needle downward so the opposite to you. Your stitches are very neat.
Oh thank you! That’s just the way that feels most comfortable to me 🌸
I really like your tips! My first EPP quilt was quite big and I also did not secure the thread at every junction. This was a problem when I got the quilt professionally long arm quilted. My thread (bottom line poly thread in a muddy colour) broke at several spots. Completely not the longarmes fault. I went back and stitched all the gaps closed. Now it sits on my couch and gives me joy every time I look at it :)
I prefer thread basting instead of glue basting. There you normally do not have a problem wit a too small gap between paper and fabric.
My hand cut papers were not fully exact but with a little finagleing it worked out ok. But my shapes were not too small, I believe that helped.
Now I have a paper punch to get exact hexies for my next project.
thank you for sharing your experiences and thank you for watching
Your videos are so calming and soothing! Your tips are so helpful too! Thanks for taking the time to make these videos to help us achieve our dream projects! 🌸
Thank you so much!
I'm so excited to get started on my first EPP! Just got to wait for the stars to align so I can get some fabric!
That’s wonderful! I hope you really love the process 🌸
Emma, that was a joy to watch and was really informative. You have helped me enormously. Thank you🤗
Glad it was helpful!
What an excellent and helpful tutorial! Thank you so much! So you are sewing with a single strand?
so glad it was helpful, yes, I always sew with a single strand
Thanks for this really useful lesson ,epp is going to be my next project so I need to learn from inspirational experts like you before I begin
oh that is very kind of you, thank you. I hope you love doing EPP Thank you for watching
Excellent video with many useful recommendations. This will improve my paper piecing projects tremendously.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching
Thank you Emma, brilliant tips, you are blessed with patience.
Loretta
Thank you so much!
Wonderful tips! Thanks so much for sharing! I am just starting….. I have followed you and have admired your projects….so beautiful ❤
oh thank you! That means a lot to me x
You are a wonderful teacher. I hope to try EPP soon.
that's so kind, thank you
Thank you so much for creating this outstanding video. I haven't done EPP in some time now. I still have a large panel of grandmother's flower garden that's so poorly made I never finished it. I didn't knot between my hexies, and the weight of the paper on the outer perimeter of the quilt top made it start to pull apart. The other mistake I made was not using enough contrast with value and color. When looking at it, one couldn't see the individual flowers. It's too much work for a bad design.
I’m glad it was helpful; I hope it will help you get back to your quilt. Thanks for watching
Thank you so much for your helpful tips. I'm picking up a project i started a few years ago and your tips will definitely help me. Thanks again. Hugs
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you so much! Even though I've just started, I already could identify some things I can improve thanks to your lovely video.
That's good to hear, thank you so much 😊
It was interesting to see your technique: I use a much shorter and finer needle and hold the pieces so that I'm bringing the needle from back to front, which is the opposite of how you stitch. I did see one thing in your technique that would have caused my teacher to scold: she always said that each stitch should be one fluid motion: in the stitches you are taking in the video, you push the needle twice going into the fabric. I found that working on that did speed up my stitching, though I acknowledge it isn't a race. (My current project has 3,407 1-inch hexies, so I need to keep it going!) I was also trained to use a thimble for handsewing, so my needle gets the extra boost from my middle finger when stitching. Always fascinating to see how others do their craft.
I’m sorry you had a teacher that would scold, that’s not the type of teacher I am, I encourage everyone to find the way that is most comfortable for them, there’s no right and wrong! Also, keep in mind that I am stitching with a large camera right in front of me, and I am thinking about the angle, focus, and how to capture it so that the viewer can see what I am doing clearly. It’s different when I am just sewing for myself without a camera in the way. Thanks for watching 😊
I enjoyed this so much. I am a beginner at quilting and I just always loved this quilt. Big big Thank You!
thank you so much for watching, I am glad you enjoyed it
I am new to EPP and this was the most helpful video I've seen about EPP. When you explain slowly, clearly, and calmly I am able to retain the knowledge. You're an excellent teacher and my "go-to" for EPP knowledge. 💜💙 thank you for all that you do.
Thank you so much! That is lovely feedback 🤗
Thank you for sharing your tips as a new comer to paper piecing l found your tips very useful.I had been sewing into the paper edges and wasn't sure why thanks to you l now know how to fix that 😀
thank you so much, I am so happy the video was beneficially. Happy stitching!
So glad i watched this. I do most of these things, although I thread Baste. I never thought of using a continuous thread. Thanks for the tip. Also about sewing two halves and then sewing those together. May try something other than hexies now, lol. ❤
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching 😊🌸
Very informative video. Thank you for the tips!!
I started my first piecing project, and I’m teaching my students in the sewing club at school how to EPP. Thank you for your encouragement. ❤
Oh that is wonderful! How lovely to spread your joy and knowledge to others 🌸
Thank you Emma for another relaxing video full of wonderful tips for improving our English Paper Piecing. It was good to see the examples of what not to do as well as your beautifully sewn items. ❤
I am so glad you liked it Jacqueline, thank you so much for watching, have a lovely week x
Thankyou Emma, I think I have been making all the mistakes you highlighted with my glue pen, and am left with shapes with serrated edges. I have been die cutting my hexi's from thin card to use what I have. The star centre tip is so helpful. Keep well
So glad the tips were helpful, thanks ever so much for watching Anne 🌸
Yesterday I spent time stitching … switched from my QAYO project to EPP. I realized that my older hands (79 years) and arthritis isn’t as much of an issue as vision problems. I wear glasses with progressive lenses … have pretty good lighting … but, I’m wondering if a magnifying light is to be my next step.
Thank you, Emma for your tips and tricks! I appreciate you and what you do for your UA-cam community! 🧵
Thank you Anne! I think a magnifying light might be really helpful 🌸
This was a joy to watch. I will begin using all of your tips. Thank you
Happy New Year Emma , nice seeing you again , look forward to ure videos . Thanks for the tips u shared that u come across while stitching . Thanks . Take care .
happy new year Susan, thanks so much for watching
Very interesting and helpful my sewing was rubbish to start with and by trial and error and your helpful tips it is looking so much better. One thing I can see I do that mention is pulling the fabric to tight, having arthritis in my hands that’s very important because as you say to tight puts so much strain fighting to get the needle through so a very good tip. Thank Emma
glad it was useful Jan, good you are seeing improvements. Above all, enjoy it, thanks for watching
As I make most of my quilts by hand, I have been wanting to try EPP. Thank you so much for posting this very informative video. You have a lovely, calming voice and your background music is so relaxing.
I’m so glad this video was useful to you, thanks ever so much for watching 🌸
I absolutely love English paper piecing! I learned about this several years ago and have been sewing hexies for years. It is so fun and relaxing. I only use cotton thread and I love seeing the stitch work as you'd said. I print off full 8 1/2 x 11" grids of hexies and cut them with scissors. I also sometimes draw my own shapes from a template into used copy paper so as not to waste paper. Your tips were spot on and I also learned from you as well. I honestly didn't know there were so many different paper piecing shapes. Love it! I'm going to have to explore those shapes. Your work and fabric selections are beautiful and very inspiring.
Aww thank you! And thanks for sharing your tips too. Happy stitching!
I'm just beginning to try the English Paper Piecing. Thank you for sharing what you've learned by making mistakes. Your tips will be very helpful!
thank you for watching Nanette
Thanks for sharing the mistakes, it’s important to understand what you ment.
Thanks for watching!
Thank you for making this very helpful video, for editing and posting it for all of us to learn from it. I greatly admire your willingness to show the types of issues you came across when you first began this lovely craft of EPP, and they’re things I won’t forget when I start to do more than simply make hexie flowers to be appliquéd on backgrounds. I’m a bit nervous about sewing them all together with hexies in between the flowers, because I use the flat-back stitching method rather than whip-stitching (as like you mentioned, some of us don’t like the look of being able to see those stitches in the front of the piece). Hopefully it won’t be too onerous to sew whole sections of EPP together using the flat-back stitching method (I may just need to do it on a table top, rather than in my lap as I have been sewing the smaller flower units). Thanks again Emma, you’ve got me excited about EPP again! ~Diana K.🇨🇦
I’m so glad you are excited about epp again, thank you for watching, take care
Thank you so much for all the great tips and tricks! Much appreciated!
You are so welcome!
Thank you Emma for all your tips on Paper Piercing.
You are so welcome!
Thank you for these tips! Any further tips will be most appreciated!
Glad it was helpful! Definitely more to come! Thanks for watching Christine
Thanks for a very helpful video. I have struggled with some of these problems. This is such a good reminder for me. I especially like the thread discussion. It was comforting that you do use polyester thread. I have been criticized for using that here in the states. Many people I know have become very snobbish at how quilting should be done. I like how you encourage knowing what kind of choices are available.
there definitely is a lot of stigma and judgement in quilting at times and this can be off putting to new people coming to the craft, which is not what we want at all, we want to keep it going. I think we should always keep an open mind to new ways, and above all, just enjoy it! Thanks so much for watching.
@Emma Jones Vintage Sewing Box I completely agree.I have been quilting since 84. It has made me not want to hang out with local quilt groups anymore. I like how you share possible ways to do things. Then you remind us to do what works. I am glad to try new methods.
I wish I would've found this video when I started English paper piecing it would have helped me tremendously I did find out a few things on my own but this would have really helped I will definitely use these tips whenever I piece again
Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching
Thank you so much for sharing and for your tips. Beautiful work. Love Gail xx ❤
thank you so much Gail x