Reuse, Rebaste, Resew

Hopefully you knew this already, but if you didn't, here's the scoop: Did you know you can reuse your EPP papers? It's true! I once spoke to a quilter who used her hexagons up to 10 times, and she finally called in because she wore them all out. She is most likely some type of magical being, so we recommend about 2-3 times depending on your paper edges.

If you're a thread baster, you'll likely get the most usage from your papers. Thread basting leaves minimal damage, even if you sew through your papers. Snipping your basting stitches then pulling them out leaves no damage behind. Thread basters can reasonably eek out 3-4 uses for their papers.

Glue basters like me, don't despair! By using the bare minimum of glue, you'll reduce the risk of ripping your papers when you remove them. You can help by warming them up with an iron on low-heat. That softens the glue enough to remove the papers easier. When you are glue basting and plan to remove your papers, try to not to glue the outermost section of the paper's edge (leave maybe a 1/16" edge unglued.)

To get the most use from your papers, consider storing your them together in little boxes or bags. Label them "Used Once", "Twice", etc. You can take them out as you go, too! As long as the paper is completely surrounded by other pieces, it can be removed and stored. Edges have to stay in until finish, though. If your papers are curled at the edges, press them with an iron before storing.

You'll know when it's time to retire a paper when it's creased beyond ironing, when the corners are rounded, or when the edges are almost completely perforated from so many needle pokes. 

Reusing your papers is a cost and environmentally-efficient way to save. Whether you're a glue or thread baster, you can still learn to minimize damage and reuse your papers many times! I'd love to hear from you- what's the most you've reused your papers?