EPP FAQ: Hands All Around, Mystic Stars and Octagon Pieces

Quick answer

Hands All Around patterns are sold as paper pieces and acrylic templates separately, so choose your size and quantity carefully. Mystic Stars paper pieces follow the same model: you buy the pre-cut shapes and add templates only if you plan to cut your own fabric. For octagon shapes, the size you pick (like 8" or 14-1/2") determines the finished block scale, not the paper piece count.

What is a Hands All Around EPP pattern?

Hands All Around is a traditional quilt block that can be pieced with English paper piecing. In EPP, you sew fabric around paper shapes and then join them. The pattern typically uses a central shape surrounded by triangles or squares, creating a circular or star-like motif. Paper Pieces offers Hands All Around in at least two sizes: 8-inch and 14-1/2-inch finished block dimensions. The size refers to the finished block measurement after piecing, not the size of individual paper pieces. You can find these as separate paper piece sets and acrylic templates.

Do I need acrylic templates for Hands All Around?

Acrylic templates are optional but helpful if you want to cut your own fabric shapes accurately. The paper pieces themselves are used for basting and sewing. If you prefer to precut fabric with scissors or a rotary cutter, templates give you a consistent shape to trace. However, if you buy pre-cut paper pieces and use the fold-and-baste method, you can often skip templates. The product listings for Hands All Around note that paper pieces and acrylic templates are sold separately, so you can buy exactly what you need.

What are Mystic Stars paper pieces?

Mystic Stars is another EPP pattern that uses paper pieces to create star-shaped blocks. Like Hands All Around, the paper pieces are sold separately from acrylic templates. The specific shapes and sizes for Mystic Stars are not detailed in the product records we have, so check the individual product listing for piece counts and dimensions. The general principle is the same: you baste fabric to the paper, sew pieces together, and remove the paper later. If you are new to the pattern, start with a small quantity to test the assembly before committing to a full quilt.

What is a baby octagon in EPP?

A baby octagon is a smaller version of an octagon shape used in English paper piecing. Octagons can be combined with squares or triangles to create tessellating patterns. The term 'baby' usually indicates a smaller size, but the exact measurement depends on the product. Paper Pieces offers octagon shapes in various sizes, and the size you choose affects the overall scale of your project. Smaller octagons are often used for miniature quilts or detailed designs, while larger ones work up faster for bigger projects. Always verify the finished size in the product description.

How do I choose between 8-inch and 14-1/2-inch Hands All Around?

The choice depends on the scale of your project and your comfort with smaller pieces. An 8-inch finished block is smaller, so it may require more blocks to make a quilt of a given size. A 14-1/2-inch block is larger and will cover more area with fewer blocks. Larger pieces can be easier to handle for beginners because there are fewer seams per inch, but they may also show more fabric pattern. Smaller pieces allow for more intricate designs but take longer to piece. Consider your fabric stash and the look you want: larger blocks are great for showcasing a favorite print, while smaller blocks are ideal for scrap quilts.

Can I mix Hands All Around with other EPP shapes?

Yes, many EPP patterns are designed to be combined. For example, you could use Hands All Around blocks as focal points and fill in with hexagons or octagons. However, you need to ensure that the shapes fit together without gaps. The angles and side lengths must match. If you are designing your own layout, test a few pieces first. Paper Pieces offers a range of shapes that can be coordinated, but always check that the seam allowances and sizes are compatible. Mixing shapes from different patterns can work if they share the same edge length.

EPP pattern piece questions answered

What's the difference between paper pieces and acrylic templates?

Paper pieces are the actual shapes you baste fabric onto. Acrylic templates are reusable guides for cutting fabric. They are sold separately for Hands All Around and Mystic Stars, so decide if you need both. Buy templates only if you plan to cut your own fabric from yardage.

How do I know which size octagon to choose?

The size name (like baby octagon) is not standardized. Check the product description for the actual side length or finished dimension. Smaller octagons suit miniatures; larger ones are faster to piece. Measure a sample paper piece before cutting fabric to avoid mismatches.

Can I reuse paper pieces for multiple projects?

Yes, paper pieces can often be reused if they are not bent or damaged. Remove them carefully after sewing. Acrylic templates last indefinitely. Store paper pieces flat in a dry place to keep them crisp for reuse.

Product facts

• 14-1/2" Hands All Around Variation 01: 14-1/2" Hands All Around Variation 01: Paper Pieces and Acrylic Templates sold separately. Please select Product Options above for Quantities and Descriptions. You must choose whether to buy paper pieces, templates, or both. This affects your total cost and whether you can cut your own fabric.
• 8" Hands All Around: 8" Hands All Around: Paper Pieces and Acrylic Templates sold separately. Please select Product Options above for Quantities and Descriptions. The smaller size is better for detailed or scrap quilts, but you'll need more blocks to finish a large project.
• Antique Garden by Paper Pieces®: Antique Garden is one of Paper Pieces® top selling patterns! This miniature quilt is made up of Grandmother’s Flower Garden rosettes, a light hexagon path, and coordinating background connecting units. The rosettes are joined with a white path. You can easily duplicate this quilt with solid fabrics for a more modern look, or reproduction fabrics for a more traditional look, depending on your preference. If you enjoy rosette-based designs, this pattern offers a structured layout that works with various fabric styles. It's a good reference for how different shapes combine in EPP.