Give Piece a Chance: Intro to English Paper Piecing

Area Featured: Textiles & Leather Shop

Minimum Age: 16 years old

In this class, you'll learn the basics of quilting and sewing using the English Paper Piecing (EPP) method! This method uses paper shapes as a guide for the fabric to be wrapped around before being sewn together to create unique patchwork shapes. We'll go over everything from fabric combinations, to temporarily attaching your fabric to the paper, to sewing (or piecing) them together. During this class, you'll create your first block of patchwork that you can use to make anything from potholders to pillows, to full quilts! Check out some samples of finished projects below. Come and learn this traditional slow sewing method and create your first block using triangle shapes!

All basic materials will be covered (triangle paper shapes, a needle, and a small spool of thread) and some fabric will be provided for you to choose from or you are welcome to bring your own! EPP is a great scrap buster!

Important Note: Some manual dexterity and ability to see small details needed.

Finished project ideas

Lead by: Shakeisha Gray (she/her)

Shakeisha is UU minister by profession, after a serious car accident, then the pandemic and working as a hospice chaplain, she decided to take a pause in her career and focus on the things that bring more joy (and healing) into her life; her family, her friends, her dogs, and heritage crafts. Shakeisha plays in lots of mediums from pottery, to fiber arts, and in words, words, words. When she isn't diving into a new project, she enjoys time spent in nature reclaiming her wild, childlike wonder collecting leaves, bones, and stones. It used to be her children's pockets that she cleaned out before laundry, now it's her own. Not a novice and not an expert, she lands steadfastly in the realm of helping folx discover an appreciation of fabric and fiber and can't wait to help you on your journey of learning new skills and crafts.

This class is for makers 16 years old and older. All makers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by and adult.  Please email workshops@wsmixxer.org for any questions.

Workshops must meet a minimum number of registrations.  Mixxer may cancel workshop 48 hours prior to start time, if minimum is not met. Should you need to cancel your registration, 48 hours notice is required to request a cancellation, refund or credit to future workshop date.