English paper piecing

Moving on in my series to the early 19th century when English paper piecing (EPP) was a popular technique for patchwork.

EPP is a simple method in which fabric pieces are stitched around paper templates then the covered pieces are stitched together along their edges to create the planned design. The shapes traditionally used for the paper templates are all geometric – squares, triangles etc. and all stitching was, of course, by hand. I have modernised the method and used completely non-regular shapes in my design and I have stitched by machine throughout. I have used all cotton fabrics but in a bright colour palette. I have added surface stitching to enhance the overall design.