Island Batik December challenge…

Michelle Roberts
Dec 14, 2021
2 min read

Welcome to my last challenge of the year as an Island Batik ambassador 2021

This months challenge is all about English Paper Piecing

WHAT IS ENGLISH PAPER PIECING?

English Paper Piecing (commonly called EPP) is a method of stabilizing fabric around a heavy paper shape before sewing the pieces together to create intricately pieced designs. It provides excellent accuracy and precision piecing. English Paper Piecing originated in England and was called Mosaic or honeycomb patchwork. In the late 1700’s, when all things English became popular in the U.S., the term English Paper Piecing was coined. The most popular shape has always been the hexagon because it makes good use of fabric scrap and is easy to assemble. The most recognizable hexagon pattern is Grandmother’s Flower Garden, which became popular in the 1920-1930s.

HAND SEWING

English Paper Piecing is often referred to as Hand Piecing or hand sewing and is a traditional sewing method that utilizes a running stitch to sew fabric pieces together. The hand sewer sews a ¼” seam allowance with needle and thread by, beginning a ¼” from the end of the shape, loading stitches on the needle and finishing ¼” away from the end of the shape by pulling the needle through the loaded stitches.

I decided to create a Christmas Wreath pattern using clam shells, along with some Christmas prints, I created 8 of each size (3.5″ and 2.5″)

Using Island batik 16″black solid fabric square, I drew my design, this makes it easier when sewing the clam shell pieces in place

Let the hand sewing begin…

I begin with the outer layer and worked my way around

Once the small clam shells were sewn in place using Aurifil thread, I began adding the larger ones

After hand sewing the circle in place, I added a blanket stitch to add texture

I loved the final look of my block,I wanted the red/green fabric to give the impression of red berries on my wreath. I decided to create a cushion from my block.