How to Create an English Paper Piecing EPP Travel Kit

The Ultimate On-the-Go Hand Sewing Companion

Whether you’re road-tripping, flying across the country, or simply stitching in your backyard, English Paper Piecing (EPP) is a perfect way to enjoy sewing wherever you go. Compact, quiet, and delightfully meditative, this hand-sewing technique lends itself well to portable project kits. In this post, we’ll show you how to assemble your very own EPP Travel Kit, so you’re always ready to stitch on the go!

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What You’ll Need in Your EPP Travel Kit

Here’s a list of essentials to include in your kit for smooth stitching no matter where you are:

✅ 1. Precut Fabric Pieces

Cut your fabric pieces ahead of time so you can jump right into basting and stitching. Put them into a smaller ziptop bag so nothing gets lost.

✅ 2. Cardstock Templates

EPP requires paper templates—commonly hexagons or other geometric shapes—that serve as the foundation for your fabric wrapping and hand-stitching.

✅ 3. Sulky 50 wt. Cotton Thread

Pack a few spools of Sulky 50 wt. Cotton Thread in coordinating colors. This long-staple, Egyptian cotton thread is strong yet lightweight—perfect for invisible hand stitching. The smooth texture glides effortlessly through fabric layers, minimizing tangles and breakage. Grab an assortment of colors to have what you need to match the fabrics in your kit.

✨ Pro Tip: Sulky’s 50 wt. Cotton Thread is ideal for fine handwork, giving you durable seams without extra bulk.

✅ 4. AccuQuilt-Cut Fabric & Templates

Speed up your kit prep with the AccuQuilt Fabric Cutting Machine and compatible EPP die sets. These dies allow you to cut both fabric and cardstock templates with precision and ease, saving time and ensuring consistent shapes. CHECK THEM OUT>

• Use cardstock with the dies for perfect EPP templates. Be sure to cut them 1/4″ smaller on all sizes than the fabric. Or use AccuQuilt’s GO! Queb for paper piecing, which includes dies for the fabric pieces and the cardstock – in just the right sizes you need.

• Cut multiple layers of fabric quickly to streamline the process.

• Great for fussy cutting and fabric scrap busting!

✂️ With AccuQuilt, you’ll have all your hexies (or diamonds, triangles, etc.) cut in a fraction of the time—so you can spend more of your trip actually stitching.

✅ 5. Glue Stick or Thread Basting Supplies

Bring a fabric-safe glue stick for fast basting.

✅ 6. Small Scissors or Thread Snips

Choose sharp, compact scissors approved for travel—particularly if flying. Folding scissors or snips with a cap work well and protect your bag contents.

✅ 7. Portable Needle Minder or Small Pincushion

Keep your needles organized and easy to access with a Needle Minder or Magnetic Needle Holder & Sharpener. A Magnetic Needle Case is also a great option.

✅ 8. Storage Pouch

A zippered pouch is just what you need for your EPP Kit! Make your own, including clear zippered pockets with plenty of room. The Twice as Nice Zippered Organizer by SewCanShe is perfect, and comes in a Tula Pink fabric limited-edition kit! Use the leftover fabrics form the kit to create your first EPP block!

✅ 9. Thimble

A leather thimble or finger covering is preferred by most EPP sewists. But an Adjustable Ring Thimble is also a great option.

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Optional (But Fun!) Extras

• Washi tape to temporarily secure pieces

• Notebook or sketchpad to plan your layouts

• Extra fabric and clear ruler templates in case you run out of precuts.

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Assembling Your Kit

1. Cut Your Cardstock Templates and Fabrics using your AccuQuilt die sets or clear ruler templates.

2. Secure a few fabric pieces to templates ahead of time to get started quickly when inspiration strikes.

3. Tuck in your favorite travel-sized thread spools.

4. Add your essentials (needles, scissors, glue pen, etc.) into the zipper pouch.

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Why You’ll Love This Kit

An EPP Travel Kit is more than just a bag of supplies—it’s your creative escape on the go. Whether you’re piecing hexies on a plane or stitching stars on the beach, this compact setup keeps your hands busy and your mind relaxed.

With Sulky 50 wt. Cotton Thread, you’ll enjoy smooth, strong stitching that stands the test of time. And thanks to the AccuQuilt Cutting System, you’ll be ready to sew in no time—with perfectly matched shapes and no tedious hand-cutting.

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Ready to Start Your EPP Adventure?

Gather your favorite fabrics, crank up that AccuQuilt machine, and stock up on Sulky 50 wt. Cotton Thread. Once your EPP Travel Kit is assembled, you’ll be ready to stitch anywhere life takes you!

Check out our FREE Kitchen Stitchin Webcast with AccuQuilt to see the fabric cutters in action and get a taste of how they can benefit your sewing, especially when prepping an EPP travel kit!