Winding Ways vs Serene Butterfly: EPP Curved Shapes Compared
By Paper Pieces for English Paper Piecing | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: Comparisons
Compare the 10" Winding Ways and Serene Butterfly paper pieces for English paper piecing. Learn which curved shape suits your project and skill level.
Quick answer
Choose 10" Winding Ways for a classic repeating curved block with multiple pack sizes and seam allowance options, or Serene Butterfly for a single elegant butterfly motif that adds a focal point to any EPP project.
Curved EPP shapes: what to expect
Both Winding Ways and Serene Butterfly use gentle curves, which require careful basting and stitching to avoid puckers. If you are new to curved English paper piecing, start with a single block or a small pack to practice handling concave and convex edges.
The main difference is repetition versus singularity. Winding Ways is designed for repeating blocks to form a full quilt top, while Serene Butterfly works as an appliqué or standalone motif.
Project size and flexibility
Winding Ways offers Small Pack (1 block), Large Pack (6 blocks), and Bulk Pack (12 blocks), plus seam allowance choices of 1/4", 3/8", or none. This makes it easy to scale up for a lap quilt or table runner without ordering multiple times.
Serene Butterfly comes as a standard single pattern. If you want multiple butterflies, you will need to purchase several packs. This limits its use for large repeated designs but keeps the focus on one detailed shape.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Repetition vs. singularity: Winding Ways is built for repeating blocks; Serene Butterfly is a single motif.
- Pack size options: Winding Ways offers 1, 6, or 12 blocks; Serene Butterfly is sold as one pattern per pack. If you need many identical butterflies, budget for multiple packs.
- Seam allowance flexibility: Winding Ways lets you choose 1/4", 3/8", or no seam allowance. Serene Butterfly does not list seam allowance options. Choose Winding Ways if you want to control seam width for different finishing techniques.
Product facts
- 10" Winding Ways: The 10" Winding Ways block papers are available in Small Pack (1 block), Large Pack (6 blocks), or Bulk Pack (12 blocks) with seam allowance options of 1/4", 3/8", or none. You can match the pack size and seam allowance to your quilt scale and preferred finishing method without buying more than you need.
10" Winding Ways - Serene Butterfly: The Serene Butterfly paper pieces, designed by Carl Hentsch, are a single standard pattern ideal for English paper piecing. This shape works best as a focal appliqué or accent block rather than a repeating all-over pattern, giving you a quick decorative element.
Serene Butterfly
Which one fits your project?
Best for
- Quilters who want a classic curved block for a full quilt or table runner
- EPPers who need multiple identical shapes and seam allowance flexibility
Not for
- Projects that need a single decorative appliqué or butterfly motif
- Sewists who prefer a ready-made focal shape without repeating blocks
