Keep Smiling

Keep Smiling

Friday, March 7, 2014

Hexie Tutorial

Some of you have asked me to make a "Hexie" Tutorial.
So, I hope this helps . . .



When I made my first hexies I cut my fabric 1/4 inch larger than my pattern.
Now, I cut them bigger and it works much better.
Also, there is no need to be precise . . . just cut the fabric, 
as long as your pattern is precise, when the fabric is folder over it, 
it will come out the perfect size.

 Now, just fold the fabric over the pattern
 (I use printer paper, your needle will go through in wonderfully)and baste.  
I like basting with a color thread that shows up well on my fabric.
That way when it's time to remove the basting, 
my stitches are easy to see.


 When I'm basting, I try to poke my needle into the edge of each corner.
That makes for a much tighter corner and makes sewing your hexies together much easier.

 When I'm through basting, I do not make a knot,
I just make one big stitch through the middle.
That seems to hold my stitches in well and it gives me a nice big stitch 
to grab when I start to pull my basting stitches out.



I've been sewing mine into flowers, but that is just a matter of choice.

 This is what they look like joined together.
I like to leave my basting in until I'm ready to use them.

This is what the back looks like.

When I am ready to add them to a quilt, pillow or whatever I'm making . . .
then I will remove the basting stitches and the paper will come out easily.
Next, I use spray starch and I iron and starch my piece 
making sure that I get the outside edges folded straight.  
Now they are ready to use . . . 
make something pretty.

I'm planning on using these in a quilt.
So, I have a lot more to make :)

Keep Smiling and Enjoying Life!

Your blogging sister,
Connie

34 comments:

  1. I just surfed over......am not a quilter, but I do admire them. LOVE the hexies, such a springie look. :-)

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    1. Hi Linda, great to meet you . . . and thank you for stopping by . . . I love company :)

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  2. Thanks so much for doing this tutorial. It's so clear. I am definitely going to get out some of my stash and have a go.
    Ali xx

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    1. Hi Ali, I am so pleased that I could inspire you . . . I think that you are in for a lovely treat, these are so much fun to make :)

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  3. Lovely post Connie, and I'm interested to see that I make my hexies exactly like you do! And I agree, a generous seam allowance works best!
    You've inspired me as usual, and I have a little hexie project I want to get started on now I've seen yours!
    Have a great weekend Connie, with hopefully lots of Spring sunshine!
    Gill xx

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    1. Good Morning Gill, you make the most beautiful things, so now I am looking forward to seeing your hexie project :)

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  4. I wondered how you got the edges so crisp.....I thought you were ironing each little piece. Makes a pretty quilt . xoxo,Susie

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    1. Hi Susie, No I don't iron them until I have them sewn together and ready to add to a project. That little stitch right into the corner, gives you a crisp corner every time :) Have fun and thanks so much for visiting :)

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  5. I would never, in a thousand years, thought to baste right OVER the paper pattern. You are one smart cookie. That is so smart about the little stitch in every corner, too- xo Diana

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    1. Hi Diana . . . it works great. I love hexies because to me they are so old fashioned. They remind me of childhood times.

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  6. WOW you made it look so simple. Thanks for sharing. They are beautiful.

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  7. Connie, thanks for visiting and following. I'm following back, and am sure I'll see lots of neat stuff here.

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    1. Hi Linda, you are such a sweetheart, thank you :)

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  8. I started a hexie project a long time ago and I did ok making the hexies but when it came to sewing them together things started to go wrong. Thanks for sharing how you do yours

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    1. Hi Ann, don't give up on your project. Have a sweet day and thanks for stopping by :)

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  9. I'm marking this page in my favs. I sure need some help and inspiration. I love this my friend. I sew a lot but I've never quilted! Happy weekend! Hugs!

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    1. You have made my morning . . . thank you. I feel honored :)

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  10. Connie, this is the clearest explanantion of how to make hexagons that I have seen.I was a my local Patchwork shop, once, and saw some gorgeous projects they were making using hexagons.Little covered boxes, book covers, needle cases!!maybe I might be able to do this now!!
    Thanks
    Judy x

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    1. I am delighted that I could help . . . and I can not wait to see what you make :)

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  11. Sorry Connie, it's me again. Just letting you know I have a new blog. Old blog had Google +.very few of my old followers have Google + so couldn't comment. I miss having comments.new blog has no Google +.
    http://judithanns.blog.blogspot.com.au
    Thanks
    Judy

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    1. Hello . . . you again. I totally agree. Just because something is new, doesn't mean it's better :)
      Coming over to check it out.

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  12. Wow you have really mastered this well...I remember my mum doing this when I was growing up.....not sure I have the patience but yours look great. X

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    1. Good Morning Bron, really it doesn't take much patience and it so much fun :)

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  13. Good clear tutorial, Connie. I made many, many hexagons in the 80's and they can be very addictive.

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  14. Excellent tutorial. I was making a hexagon quilt when my daughter was born and I still have to do the edging. she is 23. lol!

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    1. I have a Sun Bonnet Sue quilt that I started for my daughter when she was 9 and she is 40 now. Maybe we should both put these quilts on our "To Do" before the end of this year List :) Keep smiling, Connie :)

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  15. I have seen these but have never seen a tutorial on them and how they are made.. Glad I made you smile with my doodled girl.. Thanks for the lovely comment..
    Sandy :)

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    1. Hi Sandy, thanks so much for stopping by to visit. Have a wonderful day :)

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  16. wow, thanks for this tutorial. These are just awesome.

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    1. Hi Becky . . . thank you. I hope this tutorial helps anyone thinking about making them :) Are you going to give them a try?

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