Tutorial {Preparing an EPP quilt top for finishing}

Today I’m going to share how I usually prepare my EPP (English Paper Pieced) quilt tops for finishing.
 Can one say “usually” if one has only finished two EPP quilts? Sure! I’m not sure if this is innovative or classic, but here goes.

The first thing to do is remove all the papers from the quilt top and press all the unfinished edges out. Obviously in the picture below, I should have picked a different background than white to show all the papers out and quilt top pressed. But if you look closely, you will be able to see.

 

Here’s a few closer shots. Note all the unfinished edges are pressed flat.

Here’s another closer shot. You can see I’ve maintained the folded edge of the pieces that have a seam.

Here’s what the back looks like.  I swirled my points to decrease seam bulk. Plus swirling seams is fancy and fun. 

Next, square up the quilt top, making sure to leave quarter inch seam allowance for your pretty points. I prefer to leave a generous quarter inch. I’d rather leave a gap of background than nip a point!

 Here’s a close up of the seams at the sides. All of those folded, unsewn fabric edges will ideally be hidden by a border or the binding. (Note, if I were to forego a border, I would quilt the top before squaring up.)
    

And that’s that. Your EPP top is ready for the next step.
 

Thanks for stopping by!