10" Squares vs 1" x 1-3/8" Rectangles: EPP Shape Comparison
By Paper Pieces for English Paper Piecing | Published: 2026-10-31
Category: Comparisons
Compare 10" EPP squares and 1" x 1-3/8" rectangles on scale, seam allowance, and pack size to choose the right shape for your next English paper piecing project.
Quick Answer
Choose 10" squares when you want large, fast-to-assemble units with flexible seam allowance and pack sizes; choose 1" x 1-3/8" rectangles when you need small, precise units for intricate patterns. They serve different scales, so match the shape to your project's size and detail level.
Scale and Project Fit
The most obvious difference is size: 10" squares cover a large area quickly, making them suitable for big blocks, medallion centers, or backgrounds where you want to minimize piece count. In contrast, 1" x 1-3/8" rectangles are small units that let you build fine detail, narrow borders, or intricate repeating motifs. Neither is inherently better; the right choice depends on whether your design prioritizes speed and scale or precision and detail.
Seam Allowance and Pack Size Flexibility
The 10" squares come in a choice of 1/4" or 3/8" seam allowances and in small (6 pieces), large (36 pieces), or bulk (72 pieces) packs. That flexibility lets you match the seam allowance to your preferred piecing method and buy only as many as your project needs. The 1" x 1-3/8" rectangles are sold as paper pieces and acrylic templates separately, with quantities and descriptions selected via product options. If you need both the paper and the template, you'll need to add both to your cart, and pack sizes may differ from the squares' tiered options.
Trade-offs in Handling and Accuracy
Large 10" squares are easy to handle and baste, but their size can make them less suited to curved or tight compositions where smaller pieces offer more control. Small rectangles demand more careful cutting and basting, yet they excel at creating crisp, repetitive patterns and can be more efficient for detailed work. Consider your comfort with small pieces and the amount of time you want to invest: larger pieces generally mean faster assembly, while smaller pieces offer greater design precision.
Key Trade-offs to Weigh
- Project scale: 10" squares suit large blocks and fast assembly; 1" x 1-3/8" rectangles suit detailed, small-scale patterns. If your design mixes scales, you may need both shapes.
- Seam allowance and pack flexibility: 10" squares offer 1/4" or 3/8" seam allowances and three pack sizes; rectangles require separate selection of paper and template quantities. Check that your preferred seam allowance is available for the rectangle pieces before committing.
- Handling and precision: Larger squares are easier to baste but may limit intricate designs; smaller rectangles require more patience but enable fine detail. Consider your tolerance for small-piece piecing and the level of detail your pattern demands.
Product Facts
- 1" x 1-3/8" Rectangle: Paper pieces and acrylic templates are sold separately, with product options for quantities and descriptions. You must select and purchase the paper pieces and templates as separate items, so plan your order accordingly.
1" x 1-3/8" Rectangle - 10" Squares: Offered in 1/4" or 3/8" seam allowances and in small (6 pieces), large (36 pieces), or bulk (72 pieces) packs. You can tailor the seam allowance to your piecing style and buy a pack size that matches your project scale without overbuying.
10" Squares
Which Shape Fits Your Project?
Best for
- Quilters making large blocks or medallion centers who want fast assembly
- Projects that benefit from choosing between 1/4" and 3/8" seam allowances
- Those who prefer to buy paper pieces and templates together in one pack size
Not for
- Intricate, small-scale patterns that require many tiny units
- Quilters who want a single product that includes both paper and template without separate selection
