Taking on the INSANITY QUILT! | English Paper Piecing Haul and Tutorial

[@Kim-xg1vm]

Thank you for sharing! I am older (a grandma) and have sewn for years, I recently started EPP, and I used the larger-sized hexagons.. not that I don't like the small ones...but ..like I said.. I am old and would like to finish a project before..well the great quilt shop in the sky😉

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

You are too funny!! At the rate I'm currently going on this project, I hope I can finish it before that time too 😉 Love that you picked up a new hobby later in life! That is inspiring!

[@cherylkazee9936]

Lol @Kim-xg1vm! I hear ya, girl. I've just taken up EPP at age 68. My first project was relatively quick. But I've now started a queen size version of Jill Shallis's "Firefighter #402." It has 6784 pieces. Like you, I feel like I'm flirting with fate sometimes. But I'm taking my time, enjoying the process, not really worrying about the finished product. EPP IS FUN!

[@Kim-xg1vm]

@@cherylkazee9936 ☺ good deal!

[@wendyphelps6163]

Hi, nice to see you enjoying EPP, just a suggestion though, I think you need to allow more fabric on your corner seams. Over time while stitching these together you will have seams pull apart. Enjoy 😊

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

Thank you so much for the tip! I’ll adjust my seam allowance moving forward. Appreciate it!

[@MsFly999]

At least ¼ inch seam allowance

[@CaroElena]

Was just about to comment this! Depending on how big your quilt I say to add as much as you can get away with. I personally like about 5/8 minimum 1/4 because when you sew them together and it gets heavier you don’t want the thread ripping through weak seams especially on corners

[@janetbrown1345]

An allowance of 3/8 in is about right, from what Tula recommended.

[@janetbrown1345]

Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm in stitching. I appreciate the close up look at Tula's suggestion about starting and stopping the stitches. Your visual is a big help to me!

[@melindaert3677]

I love EPP. My top tip; use 2 strong (round) magnets to hold my pieces together whilst I stitch. That way they stay together but without the edges of a clip to get your thread caught on. It’s a life changer.

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

Great tip! I will definitely get some as you can see my thread gets caught even in this video!

[@nancy-katharynmcgraw2669]

I use a small needle minder...

[@anitasuermann6472]

The better your tools the better results and will aid in less frustration as you progress in your craft.

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

So true!

[@Linda-ml4ls]

I enjoyed hearing your enthusiasm as you opened your box of supplies! The fabric you chose is beautiful! I would like to have yards of it! 😉 I have been sewing for 67 years. I have a very simple tip for you, regarding threading any needle, for any type of hand sewing. When you pinch the tip of the thread between your left thumb and forefinger, don’t leave such a long amount of thread hanging loose. Instead, try just allowing a very small amount to just barely peek out. Maybe an 1/8 of an inch. The needle is the boss, (in control) not the thread). With a needle in your right hand, put it on the tip of the thread, pushing the eye of the needle on the thread until you can see that the needle is threaded. I hope you find this helpful. Some people attempt to push the thread into the eye of the needle. That’s harder because the thread bends and wiggles. The reason why it is so much easier to do it the other way around, is because the thread can’t move, as it does when a longer amount is dangling loose. Also, get in the habit of not cutting thread, or embroidery floss (if you venture into the wonderful world of embroidery) longer than 18 inches. If it’s longer it is prone to tangling and you don’t need unwanted frustration. When I am doing hand sewing for any reason, there is another habit that I developed, that helps to reduce tangled thread. After every few stitches (3-4) I roll the needle in between my thumb and forefinger. It helps the thread stay loose, therefore it doesn’t tangle. The only way that I can think of describing it with more detail, is to say that my right thumb pushes in an upward motion while my forefinger is ever so gently, pushing down, or in the opposite direction. I’m looking forward to seeing your project coming to life! Thank you for sharing your adventure with us. Happy sewing!

[@laurenopgenorth7461]

Yes! I am the same way with new crafts - buying the high quality supplies. Totally not necessary to do so, but if they bring you joy, go for it! What a beautiful quilt and a beautiful start - can't wait to see how this comes together. I learned EPP on some doll quilts, and now you're giving me the itch to try something bigger.

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

Thank you for your support! Having the nice stuff does bring me joy :) I'd love to hear what you end up working on if you do decide to go for a bigger EPP project!

[@laurenopgenorth7461]

@@EaddysCraftRoom my eye is on the Cherish quilt from Tales of Cloth! One day...

[@BobCrochets]

I love this so much. I designed a 1-round granny square blanket similar to this that I call 10,000 memories which gives me similar vibes to the Insanity Quilt. More than 10 years on-and-off, I think I have the squares mostly done. And maybe someday I'll finish it! I just found EPP, though, and I love it.

[@msullivan3531]

If you have a cricut it’s very easy to cut your own card stock shapes. I also agree that you need more seam allowance.

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

Great idea, thank you!

[@ottostrohschein8180]

Lap desk works nice especially one with an attached light

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

Thanks so much! I've thought of purchasing one of those.

[@PYN111]

love that you got quilt stuff for new babies! I love making receiving blankets out of flannel w/ crocheted edges… Any baby blanket, hand made and home made is so precious and often becomes an heirloom …as I’m sure ALL of yours will be! Lucky babes and moms!

[@SuzanneStutzle]

You are doing a great job. I too have started out on EPP and love it. I have found the Clover desk needle threader is wonderful for those small needle eyes and I have the dome needle storage case. It stores 10 threaded needles and I just load it up and it's good to go. I have a magnetic needle case to put the used needle when I have sewn all the thread on the needle and simply take out another needle from the dome. I love those things and find them very helpful. Keep us posted from time to time on how you're going. Emma Jones on you tube is really interesting and has lot of tips and tricks.

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

I just got a clover needle threader based on the recommendations from so many of you and I am so excited to use it! Thank you so much for the recommendations.

[@wbajp]

Great video. If you want your stitches to show less pull the thread more taut and reduce the distance between each stitch. Well done for starting this beautiful quilt.🎉 I love using Tulip milliner needles they slide so easily through the fabric with less strain on my hands.😊

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

Love these tips! Thank you so much!

[@wbajp]

@@EaddysCraftRoomGood luck it will be a beautiful quilt once you are finished. 🎉I love EPP and buying all the fabrics and notions. I must have spent a small fortune.😂

[@nannettejohnstone7281]

I found EPP and have been hooked! It’s so fun!

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

I'm so happy to hear that! It's the best!

[@El023]

The Lori holt nifty needles in Appliqué (the light green needle tips) are also amazing for Epp! The needle is much more thinner & I find them easier to use while doing smaller shapes

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

Awesome, I will check them out! Thank you so much!

[@ottostrohschein8180]

Beeswax thread conditioner helps alot

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

Great to know, thank you!

[@reginamcgathey1422]

Rubber duck quilt was the quilt that hooked me on quilting! It is the cutest quilt ever!

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

That’s such a cute one! I can understand why it got you hooked!

[@qpatriot4827]

Absolutely loved your video! Thank you so much!❤

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@pauladimattei6434]

I love EPP. I like to use 80 wt thread. This weight makes stitches even less noticeable if you are worried about that. Love your diamonds. The fabrics you are using are so pretty.

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

That's great to know! Thank you so much 😊

[@suzisaintjames]

4:48 those vinyl zipper bags are easy to make. 💖🌞🌵😷

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

Thank you for the suggestion!

[@suzisaintjames]

@@EaddysCraftRoom Michael's sells zippers for 99 cents. 💖🌞🌵😷

[@rachelqstitches]

I’m currently cutting papers and scraps of fabric to start Insanity. I look forward to watching you stitch it up

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

That is awesome! Best of luck to you!

[@sharonkemp9968]

I like the size 11 straw needles also look at hexiform and see what you think

[@talesfromthewhitecottage]

Thank you for sharing! How are you coming along with this project? Do you have an update video? Happy sewing!

[@athenagwis]

Great job jumping in head first!! One small additional suggestion I have is don’t keep your tail short. I make my tail longer, almost as long as I can without catching it as I sew and adjust it as I sew. It has a three fold benefit, 1. You’re not struggling to keep that tiny tail in place all the time. 2. It makes your overall thread shorter as you sew, so you aren’t have to do such big pull throughs which is less work overall. And 3. With a longer tail you’ll have to keep moving it as you sew, and this prevents a wear spot from happening in your thread, because the needle is always moving. Best of luck in your journey!

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

Thank you so much for this tip! I have adjusted according to your advice and it has been so helpful! I truly appreciate your comment! 💜

[@RawKnitter]

Hi, Eaddy! I’m new to EPP as well and enjoyed your video! I’m looking forward to seeing your progress on the insanity quilt! 🌸 I’m starting with the little dog with Kate from The Last Homely House channel. 🤞🏻🙏🐶❤

[@gigi2fun]

I absolutely love Epp!! I recently tried my hand at thread basting, and it was quite enjoyable.

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

It’s addicting, isn’t it?! I will have to give thread basting a try one of these days!

[@gigi2fun]

@@EaddysCraftRoom It is indeed extremely addicting. Thread basting is relaxing believe it or not. I just pulled papers out of a glue basting project and ugh!

[@julias.8236]

​@@gigi2fun yes, that was why I decided against glue basting. I just did not get the right amount of glue on the templates. In addition I find the tiny gap between fabric and template to put your needle through is easier to achive.

[@terricochran9457]

Try using a size 10 or 11 needle with a big eye, as recommended by Tula in her EPP video series. I’ve lived them since I have older eyes! I recently finished a Patchwork of the Crosses wall hanging using Eppiflex templates; they’re plastic and reusable. They’ll last for years since you just put them in warm water to remove the glue. EPP is the perfect portable project! I’m currently working on three EPP quilts.

[@RuebenOtero]

Same on that living life in the fast lane! I've learned so much by jumping into the deep end

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

I love that! It's the best. Life is too short to ease into things 😉

[@debbiechittick4755]

OMG!!! I love that quilt! I want to do this too! Have you tried sewing tites for EPP?

[@RoseWaddell-jj7oe]

I'm new to your channel. Will you be showing more of this project? Can you please tell me the proper way to measure your hexagons?

[@sharonkemp9968]

I use light grey thread i also use sue daley bobbinatorand rotatary cutting mat alot the bobbinator is very handy to take your project with you and your thread doesn't get tangled also the clover thread dome it keeps 10 pre thread needles in it without getting tangled

[@ptoves8181]

I suggest that you get the clover needle threader. I love it!

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

Great suggestion! I'll look into it!

[@PrettyAliceNight]

Wow I’ve never heard of the insanity quilt but with such tiny hexies i understand the name! I’ve been working on an EPP quilt off and on for almost 2 years now. My hexies i think are 1.25” and I’ve found the sewing magnets are really helpful to hold them together instead of the clips. I think the name is Sew-Tites.

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

I've heard great things about those magnets too! I'll have to check them out.

[@TiffMar328]

Thank you for the tutorial! I have been considering trying EPP!

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

You are so welcome! I am loving it so far. Such a great hobby to take on the go!

[@wanderer1776]

I have a preference for hand sewing and hand piecing quilts. I started out with 2" hexies because those were the only templates I could find in the store. I cut squares and trimmed after I completed a unit. I would recommend anyone using cardstock to give yourself a wider seam allowance at the corners that what appears in your video. My kit consists of white, black, and two shades of grey thread. I prefer 100% cotton and I use beeswax to reduce tangling. I prefer thread basting but use a dot of glue to hold the template in place as I stitch. How I baste is dictated more by the shape of the template than anything else.

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

All wonderful tips! Thank you so much for sharing.

[@apwhoa7767]

Jen Kingwell! Deep Dive into all the scrappy beautiful designs and inspiration!!

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

I'll have to check her out!! Thank you!

[@KimtheElder]

This is the suggested video that brought me to your channel......2 plus hours ago .....you're welccome for the watch time LOL. I am just starting quilting and want to do EPP version as well. Orders coming in and heart singing at the prospects of the creations. Really enjoying watching your videos. I care for my Mom with dementia and it's pretty isolating and hard on the heart. Thank you for bringing your creativity and sunny disposition to the world

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

You are so sweet and I am honored to have you spending your time on my channel! My thoughts and prayers are with you as you care for your mother. Being a caregiver is a tremendous thing that only the most special of people with big hearts can do well. Thank you for your kind words and I am thrilled you are here!

[@DeniseGreen-g2n]

Stunning quilt. I love EPP too. I have been looking for this pattern. Where did you get yours from? Love your tutorials. Thanks for sharing 😁

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

You know what, I was not able to track it down myself! I believe it was originally published in a magazine quite a while ago and was never reprinted. I'm just more or less eyeballing it based on the Insanity Quilts I've seen online!

[@DeniseGreen-g2n]

@@EaddysCraftRoom I found it through Post Office Patchwork quilt shop in Australia. It was approx. $17 USD. Hope this helps.

[@JudyWheldon]

I have been paper piecing for years and I enjoyed your podcast . I have been making my own templates out of iron on interfacing. I have been working on Penelope by Sharon Burgess. She is a Australian. Designer. Have a look. Anyway I will post some of my work when I am able. G'day

[@stevenicoleworthington8228]

Love all the projects you have in mind! I’m also addicted to epp and have the mercantile quilt ready to go. The only tip I would share is using a thinner thread- I use 60 wt bottom line or 80 wt decobob in a neutral or light gray and stitches are hard to find. Can’t wait to watch your progress!!

[@truthseekerfemale7805]

I'm new to EPP and subscribe to the other lady as well, thank you for sharing

[@marilynngriffin5538]

I use a clear plastic make up bag to hold my pp supplies - since they have a square bottom, the bag will stand upright - handy

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

Great tip, thank you!

[@karen1351]

Emma Jones Vintage has some really good tips and she uses something called Hexiform. I’m old school and thread baste with thick paper so I’ve never used it. I think needles are a pretty personal thing but I’ve found that the Bohin Milliners needles size 10 are brilliant for EPP and most hand sewing because I have man hands 😂

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

Thank you so much for the tips! I will definitely check those out.

[@aphillips3602]

FQS has a Tula Pink bom Dragonfruit coming in October that I believe is epp. Looks amazing but hard. Excited for your new projects. ❤

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

I'm signed up for it and I can't wait! Although I think it's traditional piecing, but could be wrong 🤔 Either way -- beautiful quilt with fantastic colors! Thank you so much for your comment 😊

[@jillmartin9987]

I use a hexagon paper punch and freezer paper. Also I punch a hole in the middle of hexi making removal easier. I do use a larger seam allowance and milliner needles. I use teeny whip stitches. Stitch size is very important tom me. I have seen sloppy big stitches and that is not for me.

[@LDH_Crafts]

I do the same thing lol i start something i have to go big and not simple i want the hardest thing out there so i can say i did it

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

It's the best way in my opinion! Love that I am not alone in this! 😆

[@LDH_Crafts]

@EaddysCraftRoom my forst quilt was a wedding ring quilt and it was such a pain in my ....heart lol Now I like making them 😌

[@kara1084]

Hi! I just found your channel. I love EPP. Have you worked anymore on your Insanity Quilt? An update would be fun! The Sue Daley needles are my favorite and I also love Aurifil 50 weight. The Nifty Needles are my favorite for multiple other things! If you don’t already have a favorite binding needle, try one of the bigger but not biggest ones for binding. The largest and second largest are my favorite for big stitch hand quilting too. You do need much more seam allowance on your hexies for durability as someone else mentioned. I generally prefer 3/8” but on tiny pieces like this a 1/4” is nicer I think. Did you keep on with the iron on ones or try papers? 😊

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

Welcome! I'm so glad you're here. I have made a small bit of progress on it and will absolutely be sharing an update in the near future! Thank you so much for the recommendations. I have kept with the iron-on hexies, although I plan to switch to papers after I use them up. They're difficult to work with as much as I love the concept! Maybe a more advanced EPP maker would enjoy them 😆

[@kara1084]

@@EaddysCraftRoom That’s great! I’m looking forward to the update. They do look much harder to use than papers to me. Being able to leave them in is appealing but it’s definitely easier to get crisp accurate sides with papers.

[@arianascott4205]

I decided to start EPP and chose the insanity quilt as my first one too. I’m using 1” hexagons tho; is that going to mess it up? I know it’s supposed to be 1/2” now that I’ve looked deeper into it (I had already started basting and sewing before I found out tho).

[@claudettemonty4077]

Can you tell me where to buy the sticky’s hexagone EPP Iron-on???

[@Paula-vh8em]

Where did you buy all your supplies that you showed?

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

I get most of my supplies online from Fat Quarter Shop!

[@CaroElena]

I recommend aurifil dove gray thread. It’s basically invisible. Kate at @the last homely house KZbin channel has some good videos on EPP she’s been doing it forever!

[@camsmyth101]

The cat needed to inspect the most important part the box. 🤣

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

Exactly! 😂

[@Freeyourself206]

YOu need to watch Rob Appell (I think that’s his name , the guy from stitched heaven) on how to use the iron on backing. He has a much more efficient way.

[@blessedmamalife]

How far have you got with this quilt now?

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

Oh I wish I made more progress than I have! I've been having some issues with my wrist that has not been friendly to EPP or cross stitching. Hoping it will get better soon so I can make some meaningful progress. I plan to get an update out before the end of the year. 😊

[@frontofficed.burnell-power6288]

Check out Emma Jones. She does nothing but EPP and has a lovely channel and you will get lots of encouragement.

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

I will check her out! Thank you so much for the recommendation ☺️

[@donnacullman4103]

Where can I find this pattern?

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

I believe it was published in a magazine years ago. From what I've seen online, it's tough to get your hands on these days and the author hasn't reprinted it elsewhere. I've just been eyeballing it based on other Insanity quilts I've seen online!

[@vickien4524]

Using a light gray 80 weight thread hides your stitches.

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

Great tip, thank you!

[@markie3394]

Love the quilt you are tackling and can use the tips in other small EPP blocks. There is also another quilt and book you might be interested in by Liz Lois called Nearly insane. The book is from 2005 and no longer in print but I was able to snag one this year but had started the quilt in 2019 with any finished 6” block I could find in other books. Like you I have many projects but also major life events happened. I had put it away but am resurrecting it now. If interested look up Fabadashery. Scroll back to I believe 2012 in her blog to see her story and follow along with her red and white rendition of the Nearly insane quilt. Easy to get the “Insanity” quilt and Nearly Insane quilt confused because the titles are so similar and they are quite the challenge! For some reason if it’s easy I find it difficult but if it’s difficult I find it easy 😅 After other trials of threads and needles I think I just found my sweet spot. Just started using a 100 wt Japanese silk thread by SuperiorThreads called Kimono Silk Thread and am using a beading needle. Love it! The longer needle is easier on my arthritic hands as apposed to the 11 milliner/straw needle and it is easier to only pick up a couple threads at a time. I know Sue Daley does not recommend 1 thread but if it’s good fabric it will hold fine and the stitches are definitely invisible.

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

Thank you so much for the recommendation! I just looked it up and WOW what a beautiful quilt! Maybe one day I'll get to it and be able to enjoy making such a beautiful project. Thank you for your tips as well!

[@DebbieKing-de4zv]

I tried several different threads. And I found that a light grey thread hides your stitches pretty good. Try Superior Threads The Bottom Line… color #623….Also a milliner needle size 9 or 10 works great …Maybe it will work for you .. Enjoy your EPP journey….(It’s addicting)…🪡🧵🪡

[@EaddysCraftRoom]

I will have to try that out! I'm always looking for ways to improve my stitching! 😊