How to Choose the Right Pattern Pieces for English Paper Piecing

By Paper Pieces for English Paper Piecing | Published: 2026-10-13

Category: Buying Guides

Learn how to choose EPP pattern pieces by shape, size, seam allowance, and pack quantity, with practical rules for octagons, dresdens, and star patterns.

Quick answer

Choose English paper piecing pattern pieces by matching the finished size to your project, then pick the seam option that matches your preferred basting method and the pack size that covers your piece count with a little spare. If you are new to EPP, start with a small pack of a simple shape in a 1/4" seam, then add specialty pieces like dresdens or octagons once your project layout is set.

Start with the finished size, not the paper size

EPP pattern pieces are sized to the finished shape, so a 3" octagon produces a 3" octagon in the finished quilt after the fabric is basted and stitched. That means your paper piece measurements should match the finished dimensions in your pattern or layout, not the fabric cut size. If a pattern calls for a 5-1/2" dresden plate, you need pieces that finish at 5-1/2", not a larger template you plan to trim down.

Match the seam option to how you baste and stitch

Seam options change how much fabric extends beyond the paper edge. A 1/4" seam is a common default for glue or thread basting and gives a comfortable fold to work with. A 3/8" seam gives more fabric to hold, which can help beginners or anyone working with thicker fabrics. No-seam pieces are for methods that do not fold over a paper edge, such as some applique or stitch-and-flip approaches. Windowed options let you see through the paper for fussy cutting or placement, which is useful when the fabric motif needs to land in a specific spot.

Estimate pack size from your piece count

Count the pieces in one repeat of your design, then multiply by the number of repeats. Add about 10 percent spare for trimming, mistakes, or future repairs. Small packs suit a single block or a test run. Large packs cover a full quilt top for many layouts. Bulk packs make sense when you have a confirmed layout and want to avoid running out mid-project. If you are still deciding on the layout, buy small first and scale up once the design is locked.

Choose shapes that fit your skill level and design

Simple shapes like octagons and squares are forgiving for beginners because the straight edges are easy to align. Dresdens add curved-looking petals but are still pieced from straight-edged pieces, so they are approachable after a little practice. Star patterns built from diamonds or triangles demand more accurate cutting and basting because small errors show at the points. Pick one shape family per project at first, then combine shapes once your seam allowances and basting tension are consistent.

Decision rules for buying EPP pattern pieces

If you are buying your first EPP pieces: Choose a small pack of a simple shape like octagons in a 1/4" seam, and avoid windowed or no-seam options until you know your basting style. Small pack, simple shape, 1/4" seam.
If your pattern lists a finished size: Buy pieces that finish at that exact size. Do not size up and trim down, because EPP pieces are cut to the finished shape and trimming changes the geometry. Match the finished size, not the fabric cut size.
If you fussy cut or place motifs: Choose windowed pieces so you can see the fabric through the paper while positioning the motif. Windowed for placement, standard for general piecing.
If you are planning a full quilt: Count pieces per block, multiply by blocks, add about 10 percent spare, then buy the pack size that covers that number. Confirm the layout before buying bulk. Calculate, add spare, then buy bulk.
If you are combining shapes: Keep the seam option consistent across shapes in one project so your basting and stitching tension stays even. One seam option per project.

Product facts

3" Octagons: Paper Pieces offers 3" Octagons in Small Pack (8 pieces), Large Pack (48 pieces), and Bulk Pack (96 pieces), with 1/4" Seam, 3/8" Seam, 1/4" Windowed, 3/8" Windowed, and No Seam options. You can match the pack size to a single block or a full quilt and choose a seam or windowed option that fits your basting method and fussy-cutting needs.
Color Crush Stars pattern by Sarah J Maxwell: The Color Crush Stars pattern by Sarah J Maxwell is a paper piecing design from Paper Pieces with a star-inspired motif, suitable for English paper piecing techniques. A printed pattern gives you the piece shapes and counts up front, so you can calculate how many papers to buy instead of guessing.
5-1/2" 16 Petal Dresdens: 5-1/2" 16 Petal Dresdens are precision-cut paper pieces for English paper piecing, each plate featuring 16 petals and including a coordinating 1-3/4" circle for the center, with options including 3/8" Seam, 1/4" Seam, No Seam, 3/8" Windowed, and 1/4" Windowed. The included center circle means you do not need to source a separate piece for the middle, and the seam options let you keep your dresden consistent with the rest of your project.
14" 14 Petal Dresden With 5" Circles: The 14" 14 Petal Dresden with 5" circles is offered in No Seam, 1/4" Seam, 3/8" Seam, 1/4" Windowed, and 3/8" Windowed options, with Small Pack (1 plate), Large Pack (6 plates), and Bulk Pack choices. A larger dresden plate suits a statement center or a big block, and the pack sizes let you buy one plate to test the scale before committing to a full quilt.

Who this is for

Best for

Quilters planning a first or second EPP project who need to match piece size, seam option, and pack quantity
Makers adding dresden plates or octagon layouts who want to confirm the right paper pieces before buying
Anyone using a printed EPP pattern who needs to calculate piece counts and spare pieces

Not for

Shoppers looking for finished quilts or fabric bundles rather than paper pieces
Quilters who already know their exact piece, seam, and pack size and only need to reorder
Projects that require custom or non-standard shapes not offered in the current catalog