Some paper pieces have sharp points rather than blunt corners, and many quilters get stuck the first time they meet them. But rest assured: points are easy! No matter which EPP technique you use, it comes down to the direction you turn the paper piece and the direction you fold the fabric.
As you baste your fabric to the paper piece—whether with needle and thread or with glue—always turn the paper piece clockwise (if right-handed) and fold the fabric at the next corner in sequence, laying each fresh edge over the previous edge. Keep all folds going the same way and in order (turn, fold, secure; turn, fold, secure…). Your needle will naturally work around anticlockwise if you’re right-handed (the reverse for left-handed quilters). On a Hexagon, all fabric pleats should lean in the same direction.
With Diamond shapes that have a point, fold the fabric around the tip to create a small tail or flag. It’s not necessary to tuck the excess tail in—let your tails wag! 🐾 Work around the shape in the same direction, tackling one corner at a time, so all tails point the same way. Your covered pieces of the same shape should look identical side by side. When sewing pieces together, if a tail sticks up along the seam, simply fold it back out of the way and continue stitching. Tails will nestle neatly where points meet, forming little “rosettes” on the back without excess bulk. Mis-folded tails collide and make assembly difficult—this happens when folds go “any which way.”
Whatever you do: do not cut the tails off! Removing them can weaken seams and risk fraying or even holes in your quilt.
