EPP FAQs: Castle Wall, Coffins, and Scallop Templates
By Paper Pieces for English Paper Piecing | Published: 2026-10-21
Category: How-to Guides
Quick answers to common questions about 10" Castle Wall, 4" Short Coffins, and 3" Scallop templates for English paper piecing projects.
Quick Answer
For most EPP projects, choose the 10" Castle Wall for large focal blocks, 4" Short Coffins for repetitive border or filler shapes, and 3" Scallop for curved edges that add movement. Each template offers multiple pack sizes and seam allowances to match your design needs.
Why These Shapes Work Together
The Castle Wall, Short Coffins, and Scallop templates come from different shape families but combine well in medallion-style quilts or modern EPP designs. Castle Wall provides a strong central element, Short Coffins echo the angular lines, and Scallop softens the outer edges.
One common trade-off: Scallop templates require careful basting because the curved seams can distort if the fabric is pulled too tight. Castle Wall pieces are angular and easier to handle for beginners.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which pack size should I start with for the 10" Castle Wall?
- If you are making a single block for a pillow or wall hanging, the Small Pack (1 block) is sufficient. For a repeating pattern like a quilt top, the Large Pack (6 blocks) or Bulk Pack (12 blocks) offers better value and consistency.
- Can I use 4" Short Coffins for a border?
- Yes. The angular shape fits well in borders or as a filler between larger blocks. The Large Pack (144 pieces) typically covers a standard quilt border, but measure your project first to confirm the count.
- What seam allowance should I choose for the 3" Scallop?
- 1/4" seam is the standard for most EPP and works well with the scallop curve. Use 3/8" if you prefer a wider seam for thicker fabrics or want extra fabric to ease around the curve. Avoid No Seam unless you plan to trace and cut fabric without basting. If you are new to curved EPP, start with 1/4" seam and practice basting a few pieces before committing to a full project.
- Do I need acrylic templates for these shapes?
- Acrylic templates are helpful if you plan to cut multiple fabric pieces by hand or use a rotary cutter with a template. Paper pieces are lighter and easier to baste through; acrylics are more durable for repeated cutting. The Castle Wall is the only shape offered as an acrylic set in this group.
Product Facts
- 10" Castle Wall: The 10" Castle Wall is available as paper pieces only or as a block and acrylic set, with pack sizes including Small (1 block), Large (6 blocks), and Bulk (12 blocks). If you are making a single center block, the Small Pack is enough; for multiple blocks in a repeat pattern, the Large or Bulk Pack saves money per piece.
10" Castle Wall - 4" Short Coffins: 4" Short Coffins come in packs of 24 (Small), 144 (Large), or 288 (Bulk) pieces, with seam options from 1/4" to 3/8", plus windowed versions. The Large Pack is ideal for borders or backgrounds where you need many identical pieces, and windowed options help you align fussy-cut motifs precisely.
4" Short Coffins - 3" Scallop: 3" Scallop templates are offered in Small (36 pieces), Large (216), or Bulk (432) packs, with seam allowances of 1/4", 3/8", or No Seam. Choose No Seam if you plan to trace directly onto fabric without basting; otherwise, 1/4" seam is standard for most EPP projects.
