Kalani EPP: Shapes and Fabric Ideas

By Paper Pieces for English Paper Piecing | Published: 2026-10-23

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to choose shapes and fabrics for the Kalani quilt pattern by Carl Hentsch. This guide walks you through each step of English paper piecing with practical tips.

Quick answer

For the Kalani EPP pattern, choose fabric colors that contrast between the tropical flower blocks and the star-filled ocean background. Start with the center motifs and work outward to avoid misalignment.

Understanding Kalani’s layout

Kalani by Carl Hentsch alternates two different pieced-block designs across the quilt surface. This creates a secondary pattern of waves and stars. Recognizing this structure early helps you plan fabric placement and avoid a muddy overall look.

Fabric selection trade-offs

High-contrast fabrics make the alternating blocks pop, but too many prints can hide the secondary pattern. Stick to one or two main print families and use solids or tone-on-tones for the background areas. This keeps the design readable.

How to approach Kalani EPP step by step

Study the pattern diagram: Identify which blocks form the tropical flowers and which form the star-filled ocean. Mark the center point of the quilt on the diagram. A common mistake is starting from an edge and losing symmetry. Always begin from the center.
Choose your fabric palette: Select 2–3 contrasting fabrics for the flower blocks and 1–2 background fabrics for the star blocks. Hold them together to check contrast. Too many similar values wash out the secondary pattern. Test with a photo in grayscale.
Cut and baste your shapes: Cut paper pieces for the first block type. Baste fabric to the paper using your preferred method (thread or glue). Keep all pieces for one block together. Mixing basting methods across blocks can cause uneven seam allowances. Stick to one method per project.
Assemble the center block first: Whipstitch the center block completely before moving to adjacent blocks. This locks the alignment. If you skip this, blocks may shift and the secondary pattern won't line up.
Work outward in rings: Add the next ring of blocks around the center, stitching each new block to the existing ones. Press seams as you go. Avoid jumping to a far corner—it creates gaps that are hard to fix later.
Check secondary patterns as you go: After each ring, hold the work up and look for the undulating waves and star shapes. Adjust fabric choices in the next ring if the pattern feels flat. It's easier to swap a fabric ring early than to rip out finished seams.

Product facts

Kalani by Carl Hentsch: Finished Size: 54" x 66". Uses Creative Grids Rulers: CGRTMT2 + CGRTMT3. Knowing the finished size helps you estimate yardage and cutting needs before starting. The recommended rulers simplify trimming and ensure accurate angles.
Kalani by Carl Hentsch