Wild Garden EPP Pattern: Shapes and Fabric Ideas
By Paper Pieces for English Paper Piecing | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: Product Reviews
Explore the Wild Garden English Paper Piecing pattern: its hexagon shapes, fabric ideas, and who it suits best. A practical buying guide for quilters.
Quick answer
The Wild Garden EPP pattern combines 2-inch and 1/2-inch hexagons to create a crib-size quilt with scattered flower motifs. It's ideal for quilters who enjoy mixing scrap fabrics or showcasing a favorite collection.
Understanding the hexagon shapes
The Wild Garden pattern uses two hexagon sizes: 2-inch and 1/2-inch. The larger hexagons form the background and flower petals, while the tiny hexagons create the flower centers. This size contrast gives the design a whimsical, scattered look without requiring complex shapes.
Because the pattern relies on only one shape (hexagons) in two sizes, it's easier to cut and baste than patterns with multiple shape types. However, the 1/2-inch hexagons are small and may be fiddly for beginners or those with limited dexterity.
Fabric ideas for Wild Garden
The pattern works well with scraps—use different prints for each flower to create a scrappy, garden-like feel. Alternatively, pick a curated fabric collection for a more coordinated look. The finished quilt size is 32" x 38", so you'll need about 1 to 1.5 yards of background fabric and assorted scraps or fat quarters for the flowers.
Consider using a light or neutral background to make the flower colors pop, or a dark background for a dramatic contrast. The small hexagon centers are a great place to use fussy-cut motifs from larger prints.
Trade-offs to consider
The Wild Garden pattern is a crib-size quilt, so it's not suitable for a full-size bed. If you need a larger quilt, you could repeat the motif, but that would require additional pattern pieces and fabric planning.
The pattern combines appliqué with traditional EPP. If you prefer pure hand-piecing without appliqué, this design may not be your first choice. The appliqué step adds a different skill requirement.
Decision rules for Wild Garden EPP
- Choose Wild Garden if: You enjoy working with hexagons and want a quick, whimsical project that uses scraps or a favorite fabric collection.
- Skip Wild Garden if: You prefer patterns with a single piecing method (no appliqué) or need a larger finished quilt size.
- Fabric selection tip: Use a light background to make flower colors stand out, or a dark background for a bolder look. Fussy-cut motifs work well for the tiny hexagon centers. Plan your background fabric first, then choose flower fabrics that contrast well.
- Size consideration: The 1/2-inch hexagons are small—if you find tiny pieces difficult, consider using a different pattern with larger hexagons only. Test with a few 1/2-inch hexagons before committing to the full pattern.
Product details
- Wild Garden by Paper Pieces®: Wild Garden combines small and large hexagons to make a crib-size quilt, using 2-inch and 1/2-inch hexagons. This means you only need two sizes of hexagon paper pieces, simplifying your supply list and cutting time.
Wild Garden by Paper Pieces®
Who is this pattern for?
Best for
- Quilters who love hexagon-based EPP and want a crib-size project
- Those looking to use up fabric scraps or show off a curated collection
- EPP enthusiasts comfortable with small hexagons and basic appliqué
Not for
- Quilters needing a larger than crib-size quilt
- Beginners who prefer larger pieces or single-method piecing
- Anyone who dislikes working with 1/2-inch hexagons
