How to Use 2" Hearts for EPP Projects
By Paper Pieces for English Paper Piecing | Published: 2026-10-27
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to use 2" hearts from Paper Pieces for English paper piecing and applique projects, including tips on seam options and pack sizes for your quilt or craft.
Quick answer
To use 2" hearts for English paper piecing, choose the right seam option and pack size for your project, then baste, stitch, and incorporate them into applique or quilt blocks.
Choosing the right seam option
The 2" Hearts from Paper Pieces come with several seam options: No Seam, 1/4" Seam, 3/8" Seam, and windowed versions. For EPP, a seam allowance is essential to fold fabric over the paper. The 1/4" seam is standard for most quilting cotton, while 3/8" works better for thicker fabrics or when you want a more generous fold. Windowed versions have a cutout in the center, which helps you center a motif or fussy-cut design. If you're new to EPP, start with the 1/4" Seam option for easier handling.
Selecting the pack size
The 2" Hearts are available in Small Pack (25 pieces), Large Pack (150 pieces), and Bulk Pack (300 pieces). For a small project like a Valentine's Day pillow or a single block, the Small Pack is sufficient. For a larger quilt or multiple projects, the Large or Bulk Pack saves you from reordering. Keep in mind that hearts are often used as accents, so estimate how many you need based on your design layout.
Step-by-step guide to using 2" hearts for EPP
- Prepare your fabric and paper: Cut fabric squares slightly larger than the heart paper shape (about 3" for 1/4" seam). Place the paper heart on the wrong side of the fabric, centering it. Fold the fabric edges over the paper and baste through fabric and paper using thread or glue. A common mistake is cutting fabric too small; allow at least 1/4" extra beyond the paper edge for folding.
- Baste the heart: Use a whipstitch or glue stick to secure the fabric to the paper. For thread basting, stitch through the paper and fabric, then remove the paper later. For glue basting, apply a thin line of glue stick along the paper edge and press fabric over it. Avoid using too much glue, which can stain fabric or make the paper hard to remove later.
- Stitch hearts together: Place two basted hearts right sides together, matching edges. Use a flat whipstitch to join them along one side, catching only the fabric folds, not the paper. Continue adding hearts to form blocks or rows. A common error is stitching through the paper; keep stitches shallow to avoid tearing the paper and making removal difficult.
- Remove papers and press: Once all hearts are stitched together, gently remove the paper templates by pulling them out from the center. Press the seams flat with an iron, opening them or pressing to one side as desired. Wait until all seams are joined before removing papers; premature removal can distort the shape.
- Incorporate into your project: Use the heart blocks as applique on a background fabric, or sew them into a larger quilt top. For applique, stitch around the heart edge using a blind stitch or decorative stitch. When appliqueing, ensure the heart lies flat and the edges are turned under neatly for a clean finish.
Product details
- 2" Hearts: 2" Hearts from Paper Pieces are available in pack sizes: Small (25 pieces), Large (150 pieces), and Bulk (300 pieces). Choosing the right pack size ensures you have enough pieces for your project without excess waste.
2" Hearts - 2" Hearts: Seam options include No Seam, 1/4" Seam, 3/8" Seam, and windowed versions. The seam allowance affects how fabric wraps around the paper; windowed versions help center motifs for fussy cutting.
