An English Paper Pieced Crowns Round Up

As the festive season approaches, there’s nothing quite like adding a personal touch to your holiday celebrations. Over the years, I’ve developed a love for English Paper Piecing (EPP), a hand-sewing technique that allows for intricate designs and creative possibilities. This passion inspired me to create something truly unique – my very own English Paper Pieced Christmas Crowns.

Inspired by the traditional paper crowns found inside Christmas crackers. These handmade fabric crowns are a sustainable alternative and a fun keepsake for your loved ones. With Christmas just around the corner, I’m excited to share a round up of all the different crowns that I’ve made over the years. Each with their own distinctive design and story.

What Are English Paper Pieced Crowns?

English Paper Piecing is a hand-sewing technique where fabric is wrapped around paper templates, then stitched together to form intricate patterns. Traditionally used in quilting, I’ve adapted the technique into a playful and practical format: fabric crowns! These crowns can be used year after year, making them a beautiful, eco-friendly replacement for the classic disposable paper crowns often found at holiday gatherings. Best of all, they’re completely customisable to suit your style, whether you want to match your Christmas décor or create something truly one-of-a-kind.

Why Replace Paper Crowns?

Traditional paper crowns are fun but fleeting, often tossed away after just one use. Fabric crowns, on the other hand, offer an eco-conscious alternative. They’re reusable, durable, and can even become a cherished part of your family’s annual holiday traditions. Plus, they’re far more comfortable to wear and add a touch of personal craftsmanship to the festive table.  Using elastic – this pattern is adaptable for a one size fits all measurement.

The English Paper Pieced Crowns Round Up!

It’s been a fun filled few years of making Crowns for my family, donating them as gifts and giving them as presents, no one crown has been made the same.  If you’ve known me a while quite a lot of my fabric collection is made up of smaller scraps. I only ever buy fat quarters as a rule and even then I get smaller scraps of my more favoured designers.

Because of this each of the crowns I have made over the years are all very different fabrics, patterns, styles and colour schemes. Each crown has its own unique style and often has many stories to tell…  Below, I’ll be sharing photos and descriptions of all the English Paper Pieced Crowns I’ve ever made, from classic red-and-green themes to more playful, modern designs.

I hope they inspire you to add a handmade touch to your own celebrations.  if you like them do let me know in the comments which is your favourite!

Want to Make Your Own EPP Crown

If you’re feeling inspired to create your own fabric crown, you can use my sewing pattern to make it easy for you to try this project at home. Here are a few tips to get started:

• Choose Your Fabrics: Whether you prefer traditional Christmas colours or something more whimsical, pick fabrics that fit your holiday aesthetic. Don’t be afraid to mix prints and textures for a unique look.
• Prepare Your Templates: The paper templates are the backbone of EPP. They’ll help you achieve the precision needed for piecing together your crown’s design, I recommend using a light card rather than paper so you can re-use the templates again and again.
• Hand-Sewing Techniques: English Paper Piecing is slow and methodical, but the hand-sewing process adds to the charm and uniqueness of each piece.
• Add Personal Touches: Embellish your crowns with beads, embroidery, or other festive touches for an extra-special finish.

Make Christmas Extra Special

These handmade fabric crowns are more than just a craft project – they’re a way to bring a personal, handmade touch to your Christmas celebrations. Whether you’re making them for yourself, your family, or as a special gift, they’ll become a treasured part of your holiday traditions for years to come.

I’m thrilled to share my English Paper Pieced Crowns Round up with you and I hope they inspire you to explore your own.

Wishing you a joyful and creative holiday season!  Karen x

P.S. If you do make a crown tag me on social media, I love to see some handmade goodness:  @twotinymakes

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