Scrappy flower hexagon quilt

I am making a queen size scrappy hexagon quilt.

Scrappy hexagon quilts are great for several reasons. You can sew hexies virtually anywhere, for instance when travelling or on holidays. It is good to go back to your hexagon quilt when you feel like you need a break from other types of sewing, when you are between big projects or just for a relaxing day.  It is also a good way to improve your stitching skills.

I do not have a deadline to finish this quilt. I haven’t even calculated how many hexagons I need.

There are many ways to make hexagons. The following is just one of the many methods out there.

I have chosen a hexagon size which is not too big not too small. Each side of the hexagon is 1 inch and 2 inches across the wider part. You can download the hexagon template (google doc). Print on thick or plain paper and cut. Then make a hole in the centre so that it is easy to remove. There are about 16 hexagons per A4 sheet so print a few copies. Before printing make sure you’re printing at 100%.

How to make English Paper Piecing (EPP) hexagons

Materials

• Fabric squares at least 2 1/2 inches big
• Hexagon templates
• Thread

I am making hexagon flowers. To make each flower I use 6 squares in one colour scheme, eg pink, and a cream or white square for the centre.

Instructions

Take a hexagon template and a fabric square.

Place the template in the middle of the fabric square, on the wrong side.

Pin to hold paper and fabric together.

Trim the fabric to decrease the bulk.

Now fold the fabric along one of the hexagon sides and press with your fingers.

Fold the next side making both sides meet in the hexagon corner as per photo below.

Do  a stitch.

Do a second stitch.

Now move on to the next corner. Do as you did with the previous side.

Do a double stitch and move on to the next corner again.

Once you finish the last corner cut the thread. You’re done.

Do all hexagons in this way.

Now take two hexagons and place them side by side as per picture.

Start stitching one side together as per picture.

Continue to the end.

The stitches won’t be visible.

Continue to stitch each side in the same way making a ring.

When you have stitched a ring, add the middle hexagon.

You can iron the flower at this time.

To remove the template, insert a thick needle or a small pair of scissors through the the whole and lift.

You can iron the flower now.

The flower is done.

I still don’t know how I will assemble the flowers together. At the moment the pattern doesn’t look like flowers. Maybe I will add an extra ring in cream or white around each flower. This is an evolving project.