These above are from The Savvy Stitch. Aren't they amazing?
I feel like it is high time I give this a try. Plus I have a little sewing time coming up this weekend that would be perfect for this kind of project.
So, can anyone point me in the right direction and get me started?
Can I make templates at home? Is it worth buying a template? If so, where? JoAnns?
What size hexies do most people make?
Any special tips?
Would love any and all suggestions! Thanks a bunch!!
xo,
Jennifer
PS: Are you getting geared up for the Modern Mini Challenge?
49 comments:
I would check out Lynne (Lily's Quilts) as she had a QAL last year and there was masses of info and tips there - and templates too. Good luck!
I made a tutorial for the way I sew hexies! I use 5 inch charm squares to make larger hexies, which sew together much faster and give you more "bang for your buck" with showing off beautiful fabrics:
http://www.patchworkduck.com/2011/06/handpieced-hexagons-tutorial-part-1-of.html
I use pre-cut freezer paper hexagons, which you can simply stick on with an iron (and they're reusable). I found a somewhat clunky site but a great source that sells them at $5 for about a package of 50. They have large (4 inch diameter ones, which I use) and small ones. A great find and SO much easier than cutting your own:
http://avelisquilts-ivil.tripod.com/id165.html
Some people sew through the papers, but you don't need to. This way, you can keep the the stitching in place, which stabilizes the hexies and saves a step. Good luck!
You can find the foundation hexies in several sizes on Etsy. I just went ahead & bought them-they are fairly reasonable and can be reused several times. I think I used 1" and they were a good size.
Another thing I found made it easier is that you really don't have to cut your fabric into hexagon shapes-you can lay a square on it-mine fit a 2 1/2inch square-it may be a little bulkier in bake, but not so much to create any problem
I just print my templates and cut them out of regular computer printer paper. I've downloaded free sheets from here: http://www.paperpieces.com/contents/en-us/d31.html. You can also make your own using free graph paper which comes in hexagons, equilateral triangles, etc. See: http://www.printfreegraphpaper.com/ (choose "hexagonal graph paper" from the drop-down menu).
Yay, good tips. I've been wanting to try too, but I'm a little intimidated!
I love hexies! I keep a makeup bag with hexies supplies in my purse. They're a perfect on-the-go project! I didn't like the templates at Joann's. Too thick and slippery. And they might cause cancer, but only if you live in California? Loved that warning on the label! I did make my own out of cardstock. That worked fine except I finally decided I didn't want to cut out hexies, I wanted to sew them! I ordered paper templates from paperpieces.com and they have been wonderful. I do punch a hole in mine so I have an easy place to stick my pin through to hold the fabric in place. And don't worry about cutting hex fabric! For 1" hexies, I cut 2 1/2" strips of fabric, and then I found it was easiest to cut them in 3" lengths. I also don't sew all the way through the paper, just through the overlapping fabric. Have fun with them! They can be addicting!!!
go to this website and print your own on Freezer paper.
http://incompetech.com/graphpaper/hexagonal/
I'm not experienced but so far this is working for me. I agree with Annabella, Lynne and Katy are both genius at hexies. And Mary of Molly Flanders
ps. punching a hole in your paper template also gives you an easy place to pop the paper liner back out when you're done.
I started out using the plastic templates but didn't like them. I ordered cardstock templates from cottonandchocolate.com and I have been happy with them. I need to get my motivation back. I keep getting distracted by other things....
Texas Freckles has some great info on eveything hexies. She even has these great easy cutting templates!
http://www.texasfreckles.com/p/hexagon-charm-quilt-piece-along.html
Depending on my mood and or project I use either the cardstock papers or just print them off (some very useful links int he comments above) I also recommend the Sewline Glue Pen. Goes n blue dries clear and it is a much quicker way to get your hexies ready for sewing. I have made a hand pieced hexie quilt aready (see my blog header and completed quilts page on my blog)and I am currently working on greating a "Rose Garden" Enjoy your hexies, they are a lot of fun and very addictive :o)
They're so fun! I printed off a free template from http://www.texasfreckles.com/2010/03/hexagon-charm-quilt-piece-along.html --who also has some great posts from her hexi QAL. (I printed off on cardstock). I didn't bother wasting time cutting the fabric into hexagons because I figured a little extra bulk from using squares of fabric was worth all the time saved (and it really wasn't that much bulk anyway). I'm a sew-through-the-cardstock person, but only because I'm paranoid about them falling out. And even so, I've gotten more than once use out of my little cardstock squares.
I can't wait to see how yours turns out!
Oh are you sure, you will be carrying around a crumpled, half sewn stash for months - like me!! Mine get dragged to ballet each week to the amusement of the other mums!
I cut my own templates using incompetech.com too.
Have fun!
I am my no means an expert but I am using cardstock and if you were or are a scrapbooker the Creative Memories hexagon punch works beautiful, no cutting them out. I then used 2.5 inch sq and that worked out fine for me.
Jennifer, when you get it all figured all, please post about it. It is on my list of "to learn" for 2012.
I'm excited for your challenge. I've already drawn something up!
Definitely check out Texas Freckles. She has some great tips. I used cardstock for mine and it works great. Just find a template and print it out. I did 1" because you can get 4 out of one charm square.
I'm not keen on printing and cutting out my shapes. it's time better spent sewing. I usually buy mine from www.paperpieces.com they are printed on card stock so you can use them multiple times. The smallest I've done is 7/8" which is almost uncomfortably small.
I am lazy and buy the premade cardstock pieces at my LQS - you can also order them from paperpieces.com. Well worth the extra cost in my opinion.
I printed my own papers on regular paper and sewed through it. I also used a plastic template which had graded sizes on it, but then I was cutting just a few of each size, I might rethink to just squares if I'm going to do a bigger project
I was turned on to hexies at Lily's Quilts QAL last year.. it was a fun leaning experience, I completed the Candied Hexagons with the group, now I'm working on Aunt Sarah ..from the Quiltmania magazine..these hexies are 3/4 inch ones.
Just a word of warning, these things are addictive!!!
I don't use any of the fancy dancy hexie papers.. I cut my templates from all those darn cards that come in all the magazines and other junk mail that comes by..
Go for it, I know you will love them like we all do.
I've printed them and cut them out before, but in my opinion it is completely worth it to buy them! http://www.paperpieces.com/ The cardstock is sturdier, and you can even reuse the papers once or twice. I like 1 1/4 inch hexies. I also like the glue pen instead of basting, but some people don't. Good luck!
Several people have mentioned paperpieces.com. Their site also has some photos and free patterns to help to decide how to set your hexies together. Their site is definitely worth a look. The idea of printing and cutting out the pieces would take too much of my time.
Connecting Threads sells a few of the templates from Paper Pieces and they are sometimes on sale. I use 3/4" and 1" hexies. Both are great for using up scraps from binding strips and jelly rolls.
www.paperpieces.com also has a chart about what size square to cut for the hexie size . . . no need to cut out hexagons. I print templates from the incompetec website mentioned above onto cardstock and then I just baste them on the back, NOT through the paper . . . no need to remove stitches later.
Templates you go to http://www.texasfreckles.com/2010/03/hexagon-charm-quilt-piece-along.html I made my templates out of cardstock (Walmart). It is a little sturdier and still I print it out on my printer, and I can use them again and again. I did mine 1 1/2" because although I love hexies my queen size quilt would have taken me years by hand. I also paper punched each with two holes so I could pin them to the fabric as I stitched them. I do not stitch them to the template I only tack the fabric in place then remove the template. I use a crochet hook in those paper punched holes to remove the templates. Leave those templates in place as long as possible it keeps you stitching true. You can find what I did on my blog. http://runtomomma.blogspot.com but you have to look back to 2010 November
Texas Freches was a great resource for me. My problem is stick to a pattern like center any kind of fabric and border with a same color pattern or just random.
I'm an el cheaporita, so I just printed out templates on scratch paper from here: http://moxyideas.com/?page_id=328.
I cut up a charm pack into a bunch of 2.5" squares for the 1" hexagons. The Handsome Hexies flickr group has some neat ideas on layout and projects, if you haven't looked there already.
No matter what method and tools you choose, I hope you enjoy it! It's been so nice to have a handwork project that's always ready to go.
Hexagons are the perfect travel sewing project. I am certainly not an expert but the purchased templates are the way to go. They are fairly inexpensive, very sturdy, precise, and ready to use. No cutting <3
If I don't print off my own, I get them from sewdeerlyloved on etsy. Her blog is http://lovelylittlehandmades.blogspot.com
I'd like to add to #6 Jennifer. I think my purchased forms are 1 1/2". For ease to take along and coordination, use a Jelly Roll.
I think everyone has said everything!! Hexies should come with a warning...they are addictive. I have tried all the methods and I like using the glue stick, I found this the easiest. I use to print out my hexies but like everyone says it's a bit mind numbing, I then bought them, now I have a GO and use the smallest hexie shape for cutting my papers....I will never use it for fabric so it's not a problem. I am making mine out of scraps and will hopefully sew them into a scrappy quilt. Good luck!! Linda
hexies are fab and so portable! I totally recommend splashing out and buying some precut papers. They are all the same size, save time, and can be used over and over (about 5 times each in my experience). Well worth the price, IMO.
Good luck!
I certainly enjoy making hexies using a variety of techniques. My favorite is the English Paper Piecing (EPP) with precut papers from paperpieces.net.
I'm actually working on another project, using this technique. And, I should be writing about it shortly.
What ever you do Hexies are fun and forgiving, no matter what the technique. some like doing them on the machine, some by hand. Variety of techniques for both, but they always look lovely.
I think it is the Calico Cupboard that sells kits for Hexies. If this interests you and you can't find info, email me and I'll pull out one of their kits that I have for specifics.
I look forward to seeing what you create with your Hexies.
SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com
I downloaded her hexies
http://moxyideas.com/?page_id=328
and printed them on my own paper. Super !!! I needed a lot for my grandmothers flowergarden!!!
I taught an English Paper piecing class to some friends a few weeks ago. They loved it, but one of them has gone off the deep end. She can't stop making hexies! So another word of warning- hexies can be addictive!
I print my own templates on card stock. 1" sides are a good place to start. Everyone has a favorite method, so you'll need to find what works best for you. Here's one more tutorial from my friend Karen:
http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com/2010/08/english-paper-piecing-tutorial.html
I teach this technique all the time. Most tutorials call for whip stitching but I don't use that technique because I don't like seeing the threads on the other side. Instead, I do a ladder stitch which goes through the fabrics on both sides, in and out, not over and through. I sew about 1/8 of an inch right to left and then I sew through the middle of my stitches left to right. This evens out the tension and makes for a nearly invisible stitch on the other side. I have used both 1" and 2". 2" are much more effective for a larger quilt because you get the shape of the hexagon with out all the tiny pieces. I buy all of my papers either at creatforless.com or paperpieces.com. I buy the paper ones rather than the plastic because they stay in place while I'm sewing hexies together and I can fold them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nkCdciXDa8
That is a video that got me to buy Quilt Patis. They are plastic RE-USABLE templates. To confess, I haven't had the time to try it yet but I bought the larger sized hexis and coordinating diamond size and I won't let anyone throw away the small sized paper clips I used to view as useless...
Hi Jennifer! I'm working on a hexie quilt atm. You can see some photos here: http://tickleandhide.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/in-making.html
I printed my hexagons on card at home. I only cut out about 15-20. Probably not the way it's 'done' but I just sew a bunch together, take the cardboard out of the middle ones and re-use them. I've cut out more cardboard hexies as I've needed them. I've enjoyed doing it this way because I'm the kind of person who needs to be able to rotate between steps. If I sewed all the fabric to a million card hexies first and then moved on, I'd get bored and drop it. Happy sewing! :)
Definitely paperpieces.com -- they gave out free kits at a local quilt show (a few templates, small fabric pieces, and instructions). My mother picked one up for me -- it was like free crack! I just bought 700 more from their website. Small hexies are great to do while you're waiting (waiting room, soccer practice, etc....). The best tip I've seen is to punch a small hole in the middle of the template to help you remove it later -
This is BRILLIANT. I have just started thinking about making my own hexies for the first time, but didn't know where to start. These comments are gold! Thanks, J!
Check out Texas Freckles blog. She has a whole series on hexies, complete with videos. She got me started...
I love quilt patis 60 degree diamond templates. They are so easy to use and re-use. I have 40 that have been used to make over 600 diamonds. I'm sure the hexie templates are just as good. If you think hexies are addictive, you should try to 60 degree diamond stars. Check out Jessica's travel quilts at "Life under Quilts" blog! PS I cut out my own hexies of cardstock but didn't re-use them. Quilt patis!!!
I order my hexies from paperpiece.com, in fact just ordered more yesterday. I using 3/4" hexagons templates. I sew them using a 1 1/2" square piece of fabric and without piercing the cardstock so I can reuse it.
I tried my first hexes just last weekend for the mouthy stitches swap :) I used the Sewline glue pen and it is just fantastic!! Made making the hexes soooo quick and easy and was really quite addictive. That way my sewing time can be spent stitching them together. I use Sue Daley template and papers. She's an Aussie I did a class with, although she has someone in the US selling her brand too. Enjoy!
Sorry the spell check changed all my hexies to hexes :(
I tried the cardboard and plastic templates but ended up using Georgia Bonesteel's reuseable template paper which is a little thicker than freezer paper for my hexies. I use a Creative Memories hexagon punch for my templates, press them onto the fabric, (I like to fussy cut some of my hexies) and give myself a little more than 1/4" seam allowance. Leave the paper in until the next row is completed and then reuse the templates. I use the edge of the paper as a guide but don't sew into it. I keep extra hexies and papers in small containers I bought at JoAnn's so everything is organized and neat! I do a bunch of them at one time and take them on car trips to work on between stops at quilt stores!
it looks like you are swamped with suggestions. be warned they are addicting!! you can take them anywhere -----even do them in the drive through : )
I am currently working on a 52 block hex-a-long. have fun!!
Jennifer, I am so glad you asked this question! I don't usually read every comment, but I did this time!! Ha!
Hugs!
Vickie
If you have a die cut machine it is worth just cutting the hexis out yourself. I have the Cricut Expressions and I got 1" hexis 30 to a 12X12 sheet of card stock. I sew thru my cardstock so everything stays in place. I had to learn quick that the measurement is for one flat side of the hexi not the overall diameter.
Captivating designs with eye pleasing shades that inspires people a lot...
Plastic cards
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