Top Tips To Improve Your English Paper Piecing Technique

[@grams5025]

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!

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you so much! I do hope it’s useful to beginners 😊

[@Stampingerms]

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!!

[@Linda-ml4ls]

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.

[@paulamadison3673]

Emma, if you punch a hole in the center of the paper shape,you can pop the paper out with a crochet hook!

[@shirleyclick6968]

@paulamadison3673 Do you punch the hole before attaching the fabric or after?

[@AnnieBarentine]

Thank you for this!!! ❤️

[@CraftAddictedWendy]

@@shirleyclick6968 , punch the hole before you attach the fabric

[@Santee2918]

@@CraftAddictedWendyDUH!

[@CraftAddictedWendy]

@@Santee2918 sorry - just trying to help

[@MommeeMadre1]

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!

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Yes, glue is definitely a game changer!😊

[@dawnhammond-kemp3105]

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 😍

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you so much!

[@berniceoconnor5381]

It's very humble of you to share your "mistakes" made on your learning curve with us

[@alisonmary1443]

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.

[@Charlie-cz3jh]

I'm so glad you feel better🥰

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

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!

[@Loriann3616]

Sending hugs!

[@ginapendle2379]

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.

[@ginapendle2379]

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.

[@connieking9873]

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

[@devinemsm05]

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! 💖

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

I'm so happy to hear this video was useful, wishing you many happy hours of stitching, thank you for watching x

[@alanda8109]

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!

[@warpedweft9004]

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!

[@blairseibert1778]

Thank you for mentioning this. I am new to EPP. Waiting for my first kit. The KZbin 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.

[@angelaboniface451]

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 🌸

[@kdyer1968]

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.

[@nickygray8019]

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

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

great to hear this was useful for you Nicky, thanks for watching x

[@irismoles9369]

Thankyou Emma I’ve just started epp good tips there

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

glad you found it useful, happy stitching!

[@janebutz5375]

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!

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

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

[@lindybug]

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!

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

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

[@shellilayman1943]

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 😊

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

yay! I am so happy to hear it was helpful, thank you for watching

[@suzisaintjames]

Whilst basting be sure to always turn your shape either always clockwise or always counterclockwise. Not imperative on hexis 5:31, but more so on shapes with dog ears like diamonds. That way all the dog ears will point the same way and lay flat (reducing bulk). 7:54 💖🌞🌵😷

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

yes! great tip! thank you

[@PrettyAliceNight]

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.

[@judepicton6252]

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 .

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

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

[@sewquilty]

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.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

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

[@lissablue176]

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. .

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you so much for watching, it really means a lot to me

[@annedeniese8751]

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 👍

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Oh thank you! I really appreciate your kind words and thank you for liking and subscribing 🌸

[@petmomful2260]

What an excellent and helpful tutorial! Thank you so much! So you are sewing with a single strand?

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

so glad it was helpful, yes, I always sew with a single strand

[@susannieuwoudt9054]

Those are great tips for beginers to take throughout your quilting journey. Thanks for sharing!

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

I am so glad you think so, thank you for watching

[@wendywilson1736]

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!

[@pammcdaniel8700]

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 !!😊

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

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

[@vickyh7881]

Great tips for us beginners. Thank you so much!

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

so glad you liked it, thanks for watching

[@slighthouse1]

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!

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

So glad you liked the video, thanks for watching

[@pattigreer7626]

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.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Glad it was helpful! 😊

[@ValShepley-qc4zr]

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.

[@caroleatkins1520]

Another helpful calming video Emma, thank you 😊

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

thank you Carole x

[@CTID]

From one lady to another, your voice is absolutely lovely! I'm not a sewer but I'm going to listen anyway 😊

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you so much 🙂

[@jaynekilbride5620]

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.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

That's a great idea! Thanks for watching

[@thecheshirecrafter4522]

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.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

I am so glad it was useful, thank you for watching

[@kara1084]

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. ❤

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

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!

[@kayjay2588]

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😊

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Glad it was helpful!

[@laurelb8372]

Very well explained, love your style of teaching, very calm and clear.

[@C12133]

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!!❤️

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

You are so welcome! 😊

[@quiltynana9422]

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 !

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

oh that is such a lovely comment, thank you, I can't tell you what that means to me.

[@maryo8511]

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.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

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

[@joanneferguson3784]

Have not told you how very much I enjoy your work..Thank you for sharing your wisdom and instruction..

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

oh thank you! that means a lot

[@Sews2day]

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.

[@annettescott7487]

Thanks for all of your useful tips and information for EPP.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Glad you like them Annette!

[@joanneferguson3784]

This was "by far" the best video covering the EPP system for diamonds..Thank you so much ❤

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Wow, thank you!

[@kateallison2414]

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.😊

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Wonderful! I hope you love getting back into it, thanks for watching

[@Anne5440_]

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.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

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.

[@Anne5440_]

@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.

[@knitntea1672]

Thank you Emma! You are so kind and sweet to share things that you have learned along the way.

[@mofolk8896]

Thank you for the honest evaluation. I realize now I’m guilty of pulling the fabric too tight when I’m basting.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

hopefully by adjusting that a bit it will help you going forward. Thanks for watching

[@MyQuiltProjects]

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!

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Glad I could help!

[@conniesmith3837]

Wow thank you. I've learned alot. I tried to sew hexs and I did a really bad job. Now I know why from your video. You did a great job on explaining and filming close up for me to see. So many people film themselves and I want to see what their explaining not see them. And then the sewing is too far away and I can't see it close up to understand. You did a great job. Thank you, Connie Smith in Salt Lake City Utah U.S.A. 👍💜

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

thank you Connie, that is such great feedback for me, I really appreciate it. Happy stitching!

[@carleneeagleman8506]

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.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you so much!

[@susanwilliams2506]

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 .

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

happy new year Susan, thanks so much for watching

[@mrsmiggins6435]

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. 🤗

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thanks so much! 😊 Wishing you and your family a wonderful year too

[@suzisaintjames]

I'd love to see more videos on embroidery of the flowers like at 10:11 💖🌞🌵😷

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

thanks so much! will add it to my list

[@suzisaintjames]

@@emmajonesvintagesewingbox , you're the only one that I know of that does embroidery in those empty places. Most quilters just quilt a wreath of feathers or some other quilt design, but I love the embroidery. Your designs are so perfectly matched with your EPP. Sending lots of love 💖 from sunny 🌞 Arizona 🌵😷

[@stitchann]

Great tips and beautiful music. Thanks for sharing.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

thank you Ann

[@christagupta8737]

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.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

I’m so glad this video was useful to you, thanks ever so much for watching 🌸

[@sallysmith6543]

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.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Oh thank you! That’s just the way that feels most comfortable to me 🌸

[@JeanWood-t1f]

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 😊

[@sandrascarlette7964]

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 ! 🤗❤️😘🙏🌹

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

so glad it was useful Sandra

[@caroltemperley2261]

Thank you Emma 💖

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you so so much Carol! That’s incredibly kind of you and so appreciated 🤗

[@lauraleehawes5266]

I enjoyed this so much. I am a beginner at quilting and I just always loved this quilt. Big big Thank You!

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

thank you so much for watching, I am glad you enjoyed it

[@kerrymortimer2787]

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 😀

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

thank you so much, I am so happy the video was beneficially. Happy stitching!

[@Dasburyfamily]

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!💖💖💖

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

You are so welcome! I’m so glad it was useful

[@nadakodsia2635]

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 ✅💝

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you so much!

[@gracepatane9384]

Great tips & information! I am definitely going to switch to polyester thread! Great to see you again, Emma!👏👏👏

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

so glad it was useful Grace, thanks so much for watching

[@amylynn1345]

Wonderful tips! Thanks so much for sharing! I am just starting….. I have followed you and have admired your projects….so beautiful ❤

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

oh thank you! That means a lot to me x

[@JeanMcDoniel]

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!

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

You are so welcome! Thank you for watching!🌸

[@lauralake7430]

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. ❤

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for your kind words

[@Tobi-xq2ij]

Excellent video. Thank you. Love your calm quiet voice.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you kindly!

[@luzmarinasandovalrivera1008]

FELICITACIONES POR LA ENSEÑANZA, ABRAZOS DESDE BOGOTÁ COLOMBIA,

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

muchas gracias!

[@craftdipper]

Thanks for all these useful tips, Emma🌼. That wee locking stitch at junctions certainly does help a lot. And using a finer needle absolutely transformed my experience of EPP! I have only pieced hexagons so far, so your tips on working with diamonds will be invaluable for when I try my hand at them😍 I carry my thread along the edge of a hexagon by making a couple of long stitches through the folded over edge - but that might be difficult with glue basted edges? I had to be VERY careful when removing my basting stitches not to snip my "carried" threads! In future I'll use a bright colour for basting (that I'm not using to piece), or black, so that it is easily distinguished from my carried threads😉 Thanks again - and all your worked examples showed your tips so clearly. I must say, though, that even your less-than-perfect earlier work is still very beautiful. The quilting process will strengthen up any little weak seams👌😍

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

aww thank you! I am so glad you liked the video, and that is a great tip about making some stitches when carrying the thread, I do that on larger shapes too. Thanks so so much for watching

[@craftdipper]

@@emmajonesvintagesewingbox Thank YOU for making these gorgeous videos with all the lovely close-up filming! 👓🔍🧵😍

[@helenbrown6194]

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

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

oh that is very kind of you, thank you. I hope you love doing EPP Thank you for watching

[@tatzja8074]

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!

[@julias.8236]

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.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

thank you for sharing your experiences and thank you for watching

[@alicemoody461]

You do a lovely job and so kind and a great teacher..thank you..

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you so much!

[@janiceprice7403]

You are a wonderful teacher. I hope to try EPP soon.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

that's so kind, thank you

[@karenbrooks7197]

Hi Emma, this is a great video for educational content, calming vibe and showcasing your beautiful fabrics and sewing supplies. Always a joy to watch your channel 🥰. My top tip for the papers is to punch a small hole in the centre of the shape first, using a standard office paper punch. I find this makes them easy to remove later.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

that is a great tip Karen, thanks so much for watching

[@distaff2935]

Yes. I do that too. Stick a crochet hook in, and the shapes usually pop right out. For stubborn glue lines, I slip the point of a seam ripper under the folded edge. (I tend to be heavy on the glue stick). That makes quick work of it, and no stress/distortion on the fabric.

[@annmacomber8304]

Found these tips very useful! Thank you for your time and sharing.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

you are so so welcome, thank you for watching

[@sandybruce9092]

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!

[@tracymilne5961]

The very best video I have seen on this craft. Thank you so much.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Wow, thank you!

[@lindalparr]

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! 🌸

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you so much!

[@dianemcclure6884]

Very well done tutorial, thank you for sharing!

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

I am so happy you enjoyed it, thank you Diane

[@beckyd712]

I'm very new to this, it is the first I've heard of this quilting technique. I'd like to try it, but am confused about exactly how to remove the paper pieces. I will look for other videos on this. Thank you for something new for me to try. I love that your voice is so calming and you don't speak as if your audience has no sense (as some creators seem to do). *Thank you Emma!*

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Aww thank you so much Becky! I hope you love it if you give it a try. With regards to removing papers, you take them out when the shape is joined to other shapes on all sides. I’m sure you will find a video about this but I will make one in the future too 😊🌸

[@BarryOnness]

Watched you on a whim, and what a nice surprise! I have learned so much. Thank you for the great info. Best wishes from the Tonto National Forest in Arizona US

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thanks so much for taking a chance on watching, I appreciate it 🌸

[@janwebster3749]

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

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

glad it was useful Jan, good you are seeing improvements. Above all, enjoy it, thanks for watching

[@lms2185]

THANK YOU. Just starting EPP… there tips are gold!!!

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching

[@aliciamuino5400]

Thank you Emma for all your tips on Paper Piercing.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

You are so welcome!

[@1sharewithu771]

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.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

I’m glad it was helpful; I hope it will help you get back to your quilt. Thanks for watching

[@AngelTorres-ct4mh]

I just ran into your program and I just love it. Your soothing voice was a big ❤️for me. I’m a quilter and embroider but I will give it a try on hexagon paper piecing…thank you from Texas, U.S.A.🥰🥰

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Oh thank you! I’m so glad you liked it, means a lot to me 🌸

[@HRHDMKYT]

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.🇨🇦

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

I’m so glad you are excited about epp again, thank you for watching, take care

[@nicoeeek.7181]

You are a sweetheart and a brilliant teacher, I love this channel.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you so much! That’s so kind and means a lot to me

[@charlottefraises9710]

It's so well explained, you have such a relaxing voice, the video tips are a real pleasure, I love them

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you so much!

[@denisepettit8534]

Thank you, Emma I look forward to more of your calm and informative videos.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you Denise

[@violet2048]

Hello Emma, I saw your Hexagon quilt with the Secret door and was hooked. Your voice is so soothing and eloquent. Thank you on the thread tips, I always used to cotton wrapped polyester. Then I started useing 100% cotton thread. When it's used up I will go back to my tried and true. Cotton makes a lot of dust in my Bernina, I just don't think that's good for it. Thank you lovely lady.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

You are so welcome! Thank you for watching 😊🌸

[@deborahinman3852]

Great tips Emma. Thank you! 😁

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

thank you for watching Deborah

[@renatekauker4242]

That's good to hear, thank you so much 😊

[@lisaroper421]

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!

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

That’s wonderful! I hope you really love the process 🌸

[@rachaelknust8365]

Thank you for this video it answered a lot of questions I had I love watching your videos the music and you voice are very soothing

[@tenawolfe6863]

Thanks for sharing the mistakes, it’s important to understand what you ment.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thanks for watching!

[@terryannglandon3853]

Thank you so much for sharing your past mistakes. This video has been SO helpful.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Glad it was helpful!