Now’s the time – EPP is perfect for on-the-go summer sewing.
English paper piecing is the perfect project for summer because it’s portable. Whether you’re working with hexagons, tumblers or diamonds, you can keep all of your hand sewing supplies at hand in this cute project pouch. The magnetic snap keeps your supplies tucked safely inside. Poolside sewing? It’s a thing!
Dritz® supplies:
- 5 pcs: hexagon 1.5” paper piecing shapes
- Sew-on magnetic snap
- Embroidery needles
- Point turner
- Getta Grip® sewing clips
Omnigrid® supplies:
- Rotary cutter
- Mat
- Ruler
Other supplies:
- ¼ yard fusible fleece interfacing (such as Fairfield™ Smooth)
- ¼ yard lightweight fusible interfacing (such as Fairfield™ Stabilize Lightweight)
- ¼ yard each of 3 coordinating fabrics
- 30” of ricrac trim
- Embroidery floss
- Cup for tracing
- Glue stick (optional)
Cut:
- 5 pcs: 4” x 4” fabric pieces for the hexagons. (Fussy cut your fabrics and choose a print or design to showcase.)
- 2 pc: 10.5” w x 8.5” h outer fabric
- 2 pc: 10.5” w x 8.5” h lining fabric
- 2 pc: 1.5” x 1.5” squares of fusible fleece
- 2 pc: 10.5” w x 8.5” h fusible fleece
- 2 pc: 10” x 8” fusible lightweight interfacing
Prep:
Apply fusible fleece to the wrong side of the outer panels and lightweight interfacing to the wrong side of the lining panels. Apply the small fusible fleece squares to the wrong side of the lining panels, centered 1” down from the top edge.
Other notes:
Finished size: 8” x 10”
Skill level: Advanced Beginner
SA= seam allowance
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Wondering what English paper piecing is all about? In a nutshell, you’ll use evenly shaped paper pieces to make small fabric shapes that are precise and exactly the same each and every time. Use Dritz® paper piecing shapes, hand sewing needles and your favorite fabrics to make these little lovelies. Put finished fabric shapes to use on garments and accessories, like this little pouch (which you’ll then use to store paper pieces that are in progress!). C’mon – let’s get started! |
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1) Follow our English Paper Piecing tutorial for basting the hexagons. Also, see the video tutorial from Jennifer at Ellison Lane to really master this technique (warning: it’s addicting!). |
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2) Position 4 hexagons on the front outer panel and pin in place. You may want to use a glue stick to hold your hexagons in place. Center the 5th hexagon on the back of the outer panel. Stitch onto the outer panels using a running stitch and coordinating embroidery floss. |
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3) Position the sew-on magnetic snap pieces on right side of the lining panels over the fusible fleece squares. Stitch the snap pieces in place. |
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4) Use a cup to trace a curve at the bottom corners of both the outer and lining panels. Cut along the line you drew. |
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5) Stitch the ricrac trim along the edge of the outer back panel with a ⅛” SA. 6) Place outer panels right sides together. Pin. Stitch along both sides and across the bottom with a ¼” SA. Leave the top open. Go slowly around the curves. Backstitch at the beginning and end and clip curves. |
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7) Place lining panels right sides together. Pin. Start with a ¼” SA at the top and move to a ⅜” SA 2” down from the top. Stitch both sides and across the bottom leaving a 4” opening in the center of the bottom. Backstitch at the beginning and end. Clip curves. 8) Turn outer panel right side out. Gently poke out the curves with a point turner and press. Slide the outer panel inside the lining panel, right sides together. Nest side seams and hold the top edges together with Dritz® Getta Grip sewing clips. |
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9) Stitch along the top edge with a ¼” SA, backstitching at the beginning and end. 10) Pull the outer panels through the opening in the lining. Stitch the opening in the lining closed. Press pouch. 11) Roll lining into place at top of pouch. Edgestitch along the top of the pouch with a 3.5mm stitch length. |
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Like it? We love it! Use this pretty little pouch to house English paper piecing shapes in progress, as well as the other sewing supplies you need. It’s easy to take with you, wherever you’re going! (And, hey, if you really dig this pouch, use it for makeup, hair ties, pens & notepads – any little parts and pieces that you want to keep organized in a drawer or purse!) Pair it with this darling needle book and you’re one organized diva! |
So, when it comes to portable sewing, what’s your go-to?
Huge thanks to our friend, Jennifer Mathis of Ellison Lane, who designed and made this project pouch for us. Jennifer is contributing regularly to our blog and we are absolutely thrilled with the design aesthetic and creativity she brings to her sewing projects! Check out all the projects she’s made for us here.