All about...
HEXAGONS
O
ne of the most popular
patchwork designs is row
upon row of perfectly placed
hexagons. These fabric shapes are
kept at a standard size by stitching
around individual paper templates.
Start with an original template
shape (thick card will do), then use
this to cut out as many shapes as you
need from reasonably heavyweight
paper or thin card, so it’s thick
enough to hold it’s shape, but thin
enough to be f lexible when stitching.
We’ve got some hexagons for you to
trace on page 100 but you don’t have to
just stick to hexagons! Use your computer
to create shapes and check how the
design will work or search online to find
websites that will give you free shapes to
print out. To save time, you can buy
batches of pre-cut paper shapes.
The only other supplies you’ll need to
get started are fabric, thread and needles.
100% cotton fabric works best, as it’s crisp
and will fold around the paper template
well. You can use other fabrics too, but it’s
best to stick to the same weight fabrics for
your whole piece to ensure they work welltogether once they’re all sewn up. Always
wash the fabric before you begin as it can
shrink. Give it a thorough press with a
hot iron too (check the fabric before you
set the temperatures) as it’s much easier
to cut and sew newly pressed fabric.
When it comes to sewing, use a
sharp-pointed needle (this will help you
to pierce your fabric but not the paper
inside it). Short needles work best when
working small stitches. ‘Betweens’ or
‘crewel’ needles are ideal and it’s worth
investing in gold-plated ones if you really
catch the hexi bug! Finally, choose thread
colours that match the fabric closely, so
that any stray stitches are less noticeable.HOW TO WORK WHIP STITCH
When it comes to sewing the shapes
together it’s best to use ‘whip stitch’. It
goes by many names – some quilters call
it ‘hemming stitch’ or ‘blind stitch’. Follow
the instructions below to get started:(^1) Secure the thread at the edge of the
fabric by working three or four tiny
stitches on top of each other. Push the
needle through both layers of fabric,
coming out at the top layer and pushing it
down through the bottom layer, angling
the needle so it comes back up through
the top layer at about ¹/ 8 in (3mm) from
the first stitch.
(^2) For the next stitch, push the needle
vertically down through the bottom layer,
angling so it comes out diagonally
through the top layer. Continue in this
way all along the two fabric layers,
securing the final stitch in the same
way as at the beginning. All the stitches
should be evenly-spaced.
SEWING ANGLES^3
For shapes with narrow angles, like
hexagons, leave the excess fabric on the
back of the template flapping – as this
will be on the back of your work once
you’ve sewn the pieces together (our
diagram below shows how the back of a
finished hexagon will look). For diamonds
or triangles, these overlaps can get in the
way so trim them a little or tack them
so they don’t get caught when you’re
stitching the patches together. See page
78 for more tips for sewing shapes.
Sewing up ‘hexis’ for classic patchwork has long been a
favourite technique for quilters. We’ll show you how to paper-
piece your shapes, but beware – it’s seriously addictive...
Exploring Shapes
94 Beginner’s Guide to Quilting
HOW TO WORK WHIP STITCH SEWING ANGLES
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