Sir Snips’ Daily Snippet: Don’t Dress the Paper Too Tight

Sir Snips’ Daily Snippet 🦝🪡

Don’t dress the paper too tight.

For English Paper Piecing, cut your fabric about 3/8 inch larger than the paper template on every side. That gives you enough seam allowance to wrap and baste the edges securely without adding an unnecessarily bulky wad behind the shape. Center the paper before basting or gluing, and keep the allowance fairly even around the entire piece.

A tailored fit, darling—not fabric skinny jeans. 😉

Do you eyeball your EPP seam allowance—or use a template or ruler?

#EnglishPaperPiecing #EPPTips #QuiltersOfInstagram

Sources:

• Paper Pieces — Frequently Asked Questions: 3/8-inch vs. 1/4-inch seam allowance
• Paper Pieces — EPP: Throw Out the Rule Book

Published November 2, 2026.