When I did mine I used a template to cut them out then I used my 1/4 inch ruler to draw the sewing line on and hand sewed them together, I did flower by flower. Then put them together when I did the path. I have not done the epp because I was concerned about getting my needle thru the paper as one instructor showed me getting difficult over time. And the other process of basting it all, then sewing them together was a consideration, but I found it easier to just draw the sewing line and sew it once.
I am using "quilt patis" to make an "I Spy" tumbling block quilt. Once I have enough for a complete row then I sew the blocks together I just pop the "patis" out and use them over and over again because they are made from a thin plastic. (
www.steigerfamily.com/quilting/pati.htm)
I do like the portability of it all. It is easy to throw together and take along to where ever you go.