DeltaMS

I purchased Tula Pink’s “Tula Nova” pattern. It includes the pattern as well as the paper pieces. It does not have the acrylic templates. Do I need to buy the templates? When I purchased this pattern, I was thinking I didn’t need the templates, but now I am not sure. I am very new to English paper piecing, so if there is anyone out there with experience, please share it.

Thanks in advance...I have learned so much from this forum over the years. There is a wealth of information on here.

Railroadersbrat

I've done EPP with hexagons and I can tell you for certain, the acrylic templates were very invaluable to me when I did it. However, this is something to sit down and think about before you purchase them, is this going to be a pattern that you'll revisit several times or is this going to be a one and done type situation. I only say that because acrylic templates can get expensive and buying them for a one time quilt would be a waste of money, in my opinion. I ended up buying the acrylic hexagons because the minute I showed people I was working on a Grandmother's Flower Garden, they were asking for one. Last count, I've got four GFG's to do, so the acrylics became an investment for me. As well as the triangle and diamond acrylics for the GFG's variations. Acrylics would make the quilt go faster and probably better, just make sure the money spent for them is a good investment down the road.

Jordan

I am making a project with EPP and really don't use any acrylic template at all. I bought a package of paper cut outs to use and it was not very expensive. I bought the package at the LQS but then I saw them in JoAnn's so that may be a less expensive way to go and especially if you have a JA's coupon.

DeltaMS

No, I doubt I will do a repeat of this pattern. I was thinking I could place the paper down on the fabric and get a rough cut around it including a seam allowance, or trace around the shape with a pen then cut it out.

Doggramma

I love EPP! I’m working on the Millefiore shapes. I don’t use the acrylic templates. I just trace around the cardboardy piece. The acrylic pieces are helpful, I think, if you’re doing fussy cutting. My fussy cutting mostly involves getting an animal or certain motif included in my tracing. Are you using the EPP glue stick? That, to me, is invaluable in attaching the edges onto the back of the paper piece. The Tula Nova paper pieces have been in my Amazon cart for a while - someday I’ll probably buy it!

Onebyone

I have seen packages of different sizes and shapes of acrylic templates for EPP at many shops and they are very inexpensive, usually under $12 for a package of ten or more. I know Marshall's Dry Goods have them.

Onebyone

Marshall's only has them in store, not online. I'll take a picture next time I'm there so it will be easier to find other places that have them.

LAF2019

i have never used acrylic templates for EPP. I just hold the paper template on the fabric and do a rough cut. it really doesn't matter if its perfect (mine never are!) cause you only see the front. I tend to like a larger seam allowance anyway (easier on my fingers). however if you plan on doing a lot of fussy cutting, then the templates may be useful. you can still manage without them, but the templates would get you more precise placement and orientation of your target design.

Debbie Ness

I have done a couple of EPP quilts. I make my own paper templates from either a pattern download from the internet or by measureing the hexies with a ruler. I use card stock, recipie cards or anything that gives me that weight. I also punch a hole in the center of the card for the larger hexies for ease of removal. I have a acrylic template, but found it difficult to use.

costumegirl

Haven't used acrylic templates - just traced the shape on flexible card stock.

I took a class a few years ago and the teacher showed us to use the thicker advertising paper inserts found in magazines that can be pulled out. These are as thick as recipe cards and flexible card stock. Tracing your template on these and them cutting out gives a sturdy base to wrap your fabric onto. Since then every time I get a magazine I pull out these papers and put in a large plastic bag.