Because I need another hobby, another mess, another work in progress, another anything, like I need a hole in the head, I made a conscious decision to start a hexagon habit. I've pretty much always loved these little things, with my earliest memory of them most likely coming from an old quilt at my grandparents house (a pattern similar to this one). And though I've made them before, it has always been a few here and there for specific projects. I want more. Lots more.
So I made a template to cut out my own paper pieces, sat down with some odd bits of fabric, and started. There's already a small project that is calling out for seven of these, but the rest will accumulate. Maybe someday they'll be a pillow or even a quilt. For now, they will be hexagons.
If you're looking to start a new habit (and use your fabric odds and ends), here's how I make my hexagons:
After cutting out the paper pieces (you can also buy them already cut), pin them onto the fabric. Cut out around them, leaving at least 1/4 inch on each side.
Fold over two edges so the fabric is tight against the paper and forms a sharp corner. Take a few stitches to hold the corner in place, without stitching through the paper. Some folks stitch through the paper too, but I find this method easier, especially when it comes to removing the papers later.
By the way, I use hand quilting thread for this, but regular thread will do.
Continue around all the sides and corners until you have a neat little hexagon.
Before long you'll have stacks of these little guys and you'll be arranging them and playing with them and looking at them like they're pieces of candy. I've made 16 so far, with the next 16 pieces of paper all cut and ready to go. They're so enjoyable to work on! They're also pretty portable, especially if you make up a little kit like Jodi did.
Soon I'll share how these all get joined and a way to put them to use right away, so get hexagon stitching!
I've been enjoying a hexagon addiction lately, myself!
ReplyDeleteSpooky! I started making hexagons a couple of days go! Have in mind my making myself a version of Cath Kidston's Hexagon knitting bag! Made one for my daughter and was so pleased with the result, I need 60 hexies and have 34 made so far! Can't wait to see what yours become!
ReplyDeleteI paper punch two holes in mine before I start, and that makes putting the pins in them easier. You are pinning the fabric, and you don't have to pin the templates. I make my templates out of cardstock so I can use them over and over again. Then I use a crochet hook to pull them out of the hexagons when they have been sewn all the way around attaching them to another hexagon. They also look fantastic with a bit of embroidery on them (wink, wink).
ReplyDeleteThe holes are a genius idea! I'm going to try that! And yes, some embroidery is a wonderful addition. Especially for someone like me who loves teeny tiny stitching!
DeleteGreat job, way to go. I started a I spy quilt with Hexi's making each center piece a different pattern. Like Santa, pumpkins, Christmas tree, cat, dog you get the idea. Then my DGS can make a game out of learning. I use pre cuts because I can never get my shapes cut out the same, they always alittle different. Then I begin to try and square them up, wind up with a dot of paper. LOL Lastly I do use the cheapest thread I can find to do the basting stitches. This just gets thrown away so I have even used the bags of thread from the thrift store. Keep up the good works.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Vicki
I just bought some hexagon papers to start making patch hexagons. After I did it I thought to myself "Did you really need to add another craft to all of the ones you have?" Yet I am quite excited about starting them up.
ReplyDeleteIve got a hexi quilt on the go already, after being inspired by Michele from Michele Made Me......its infectious and therapeutic making them isnt it!
ReplyDeleteI haven't made any hexagons but these are really cute! I might just have to have a go...
ReplyDeleteI've got about 30 or so made. My goal is to have a decent lap sized quilt done entirely by hand by the time I'm 40. Even though I have over 6 years to go, I'm already doubting that I'll make it. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat size hexagons are you doing?
DeleteI taught a 6th grade class to make a quilt with the paper hexagons. The lady at the quilt shop told me blind people could make the hexagons and stitch them together so I figured it was perfect for the students. We made a great quilt and gave it to the teacher at the end of the year.
ReplyDeleteI have a Sizzix die cut machine and there is a hexagon die for it....makes cutting the paper pieces cheap and easy!
I was wondering if Sizzix made a hexagon...good to know ! Thanks!
DeleteI adore that first sentence..."another hobby, another mess, another work in progress, another anything". I think hexagons are one of the cutest projects out there, but I've never tried them because of that reason right there. One more wip in this apartment, and my family may very well drown in craft supplies!
ReplyDeleteIt may very well happen to me here!
DeleteHave you ever tried inklingo to print out your hexagons? You print right on fabric. Linda gerig
ReplyDeleteThis is the first I've heard of it. Have you tried it and liked the process?
DeleteUse a regular hole punch to punch a hole in your paper part. Then put your pin in the hole and it will hold the paper to the fabric without it warping. Lovely hexies!
ReplyDeletei made a mini quilt with 1/2" hexies - talk about addiction! i used a quick swipe (not too heavy) of washable glue stick and it held the patterns well. i didn't notice any remaining glue after a wash, dry, and pressing. i will have to try the hole punch trick on my next quilt :)
ReplyDeleteI love these :) they're so cute
ReplyDeleteAwe, they look so awesome. :D
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this tutorial...can't wait for the joining lesson. Hexies have been on my bucket list of crafts for some time!
ReplyDeleteI'm on my second "grandmother's flower garden" making hexagons from scapes from other projects. Keep small box with me all time to help pass time while waiting for appointments. FREE AND STRESS RELEASE project
ReplyDeleteWhat happens with the back of the quilt?
ReplyDeleteAfter you join them together and then remove the papers, these hexagons look a lot like any other quilt top. You quilt them with batting and backing as with traditional quilting.
Deletecan you use pellon iron on for the hexies?
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure about pellon. It would definitely change the fabric feeling later on. I know that some people use freezer paper to iron the hexagon templates onto the fabric, because then it can be removed later without leaving any residue.
DeleteThese are so adorable! I love the headband idea, except I cannot wear headbands so I am thinking of doing the hexies and then using lace trim to tie it onto my head. After all, I have a very flat back of my head and so headbands and even those with elastic do not stay on my head, but I have found that if I tie them on them remain on my head for longer.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your tutorial and making it so simple to understand :o)
Yes this is habit forming. My dear husband cut the templets out of 'plastic sheets' .. he made me about 300 of them. As I sat and pinned through the plastic I got frustrate...........I woke the next morning to hear him using a stapler on MY materials............BUT it worked great... I tok the fabric and foled it around the templet, the then trimmed the excess...........left the plastic in place untill I sewed the pieces together.. Used a stapler puller (leaves the same amount of holes as pins)...the then pulled the plastic pattern out.. and used it again and again. I made a King Size quilt with this method.. entirely by hand.. took 26 months...........but it is very nice............(blushing not bragging)
ReplyDeleteI bought the hexagon cutter that cuts them perfectly. I use light cardstock. The cutter works like a hole punch. You squeeze the two handles and it produces the perfect hexagon. I cut 2-1/2 inch squares of fabric to wrap around he hexagon and just stitch the corners. I have seen the hexie cutter at Hobby
DeleteLobby
I started out making some lounge back runners in hexagons in 1998. When I had finished I looked at them thought to myself "hmmm, think I will change it into a single bed quilt". lol. I have NEARLY finished the quilt top. I use it as the filler when I have no time for anything else as I can sit anywhere and do it. I started out doing it as a learning process as I had never done quilting and thought that would be the easiest way to start. I love the english piecing method but oddly enough I don't do a lot or it. I am too impatient so opt out for machine sewing. Reading these posts I have picked up some ideas regarding the paper pieces I must admit I never even thought of. Certainly saves having to replace the tatty pieces of paper every so often.
ReplyDeleteMaking a hexagon quilt (or any other quilt, for that matter) using Inklingo is soooo much easier and more rewarding than the traditional paper piecing! Google "Inklingo" any you just might open a whole new world of fun. I have no connection with Inklingo, just one very happy customer.
ReplyDeleteI bought ready-made plastic hexagon templates complete with a wooden stick to push them out of a center hole already in the plastic. Keeping them in the plastic until you sew several together makes the joining very easy and neat.
ReplyDelete