Do you really need acrylic templates for English Paper Piecing (EPP)?
It's one of the questions I'm asked most often.
I love using acrylic templates. They're quick, accurate and make cutting fabric much easier. Because they're clear, they're also perfect for fussy cutting fabrics, helping you position motifs exactly where you want them.
If I'm cutting lots of the same shape for a project, acrylic templates are always my first choice.
But are they essential?
The honest answer is no.
While I do sell acrylic templates (so you might expect me to say otherwise!), you can absolutely create beautiful EPP projects without them. There are several ways to cut your fabric accurately using tools you may already have.
Here are four methods you can try.
Option 1: Make Your Own Template Using Template Plastic
If you're only making one project, only need to cut a few shapes or don't mind a little extra preparation, making your own reusable template is a great option.
What you'll need
- Template plastic
- A printed copy of your template
- A fine permanent marker
- Water- or heat-erasable fabric marker
- Two pairs of scissors (one for plastic and one for fabric)
- Fabric
Tip: Don’t use your good fabric scissors to cut the template plastic. Cutting template plastic will dull your scissors over time.
Step 1
Carefully trace the template, including the seam allowance, onto the template plastic.
Step 2
Cut out your template using the scissors reserved for plastic.
Step 3
Place the template onto your fabric and trace around it using a water- or heat-erasable marker.
Step 4
Cut out the fabric shape.
Best for: Quilters making a single project, only need to cut a few shapes or anyone who doesn't mind spending a little extra time preparing.
Option 2: Cut Freehand Using Your Paper Pieces
This is probably the simplest method and one that many EPP quilters use.
Don't worry if your seam allowance isn't perfectly even. EPP is very forgiving, and once the fabric is wrapped around the paper piece, slight variations usually won't matter.
What you'll need
- Fabric
- Scissors
- Your paper piece
Step 1
Place the paper piece onto the fabric.
Step 2
Using scissors, carefully cut around the paper piece, leaving at least a ¼" (or your preferred seam allowance) around the edge.
It doesn't have to be perfectly even—just aim for a consistent seam allowance that gives you enough fabric to wrap around the paper piece.
Best for: Beginners, small projects or quilters who prefer a simple, no-fuss approach.
Tip: Most quilters use a ¼" seam allowance, although some prefer ⅜".
Option 3: Use a Rotary Cutter and Quilting Ruler
If you already have quilting tools, this is a fast and accurate way to cut fabric without acrylic templates.
What you'll need
- Rotary cutter
- Cutting mat
- Quilting ruler
- Fabric
- Paper piece
Step 1
Place the paper piece onto your fabric.
Step 2
Align the ¼" mark (or your preferred seam allowance) on your quilting ruler with the edge of the paper piece. Use your rotary cutter to trim the fabric.
Step 3
Rotate the ruler around the paper piece and repeat around each edge until the fabric shape is completely cut.
Best for: Quilters who already own quilting tools and want a quicker, more consistent cutting method.
Option 4: Use a Seam Guide Ruler
A seam guide ruler works in much the same way as a standard quilting ruler but has a built-in guide to help you maintain an even seam allowance.
What you'll need
- Rotary cutter
- Cutting mat
- Seam Guide Ruler
- Fabric
- Paper piece
Step 1
Place the paper piece onto the fabric.
Step 2
Align the seam guide with the edge of the paper piece and trim the fabric using your rotary cutter.
Step 3
Continue around each edge until the shape has been completely cut.
Best for: Quilters who already own a Seam Guide Ruler and like quick, accurate cutting.
|
Method |
Cost |
Accuracy |
Speed |
Best For |
|
DIY Template Plastic |
Low |
Medium |
Medium |
Occasional projects |
|
Paper Pieces & Scissors |
Free |
Medium |
Medium |
Beginners |
|
Rotary Cutter & Ruler |
Free (if you own them) |
High |
Medium |
Experienced quilters |
|
Acrylic Templates |
Higher |
Very High |
Fast |
Frequent EPP or fussy cutting |
So, Do You Need Acrylic Templates?
No—you can absolutely make beautiful English Paper Piecing projects without acrylic templates.
However, if you're cutting lots of shapes, working on a larger quilt or love fussy cutting fabrics, acrylic templates can save a significant amount of time while giving you consistently accurate results.
For me, they're a tool that makes the process easier and more enjoyable, but they're certainly not the only way to cut fabric for EPP.
The most important thing is finding the method that works best for you so you can relax, enjoy the stitching and create a quilt you'll love.
Happy stitching,
Karen
Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you do English Paper Piecing without acrylic templates?
Absolutely. Acrylic templates are convenient but not essential. You can cut fabric using template plastic, paper pieces, a quilting ruler or a seam guide ruler.
What seam allowance should I use for EPP?
Most quilters use a ¼" seam allowance, although some prefer ⅜". The important thing is choosing a seam allowance that comfortably wraps around your paper pieces.
Are acrylic templates worth buying?
If you regularly make EPP quilts, enjoy fussy cutting or are cutting large numbers of shapes, acrylic templates can save time and improve accuracy. For occasional projects, one of the other methods described above may suit you perfectly.
