Last week, I decided that I’m starting to like hand sewing. I previously had a serious phobia to sewing by hand, but lately I had to hand sew lots of leather handles and other things out of necessity. I’m starting to enjoy it. So I thought it was time to tackle something that I have been longing to do for a long time…hand sew some hexagons!
It’s really not hard at all once you get started. There’s a great 3-part tutorial at Jaybird Quilts if you’re interested.
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| Anna Maria Horner Folksy Flannel. Image from Pink Castle Fabrics. |
I am using a fat quarter set that I have of Anna Maria Horner’s Folksy Flannel. These fabrics are absolutely lovely, but I had no idea what to make with them. I don’t really care for the way that flannels get pilly when you wash them, so I knew that it had to be a project that I probably would not be washing (unless in an emergency, lol). I thought a pillow would be nice.
Although the plastic hexagon templates looked inviting, I wanted something that I could start with immediately, so I printed out 1.5″ hexagon pieces from here.
And I used my Accuquilt Go! Baby to cut the middle-sized hexagons. They cut really quickly, and I was able to cut twice as many flannels through the die as I’m used to cutting with quilting cotton.
I put together a little travel box for my purse using all the supplies necessary for hand sewing the hexagons…small scissors, 2 needles (one for securing the paper to one edge of the hexagon temporarily, and the other for the actual hand sewing), thread, paper templates, and my cut fabric. Not that I have a huge amount of free time on my hands, but my kids go to class every Friday for an hour, so I figure I could get a dozen or so finished every week (no hurry on the pillow). 🙂
Looks great Sara! Perfect use of that adorable flannel!
LOL, I decided that I liked hand sewing about 6 weeks ago, and I’ve been hand sewing hexagons every available moment since then. They are terribly addictive, aren’t they!
I love sewing hexagons. They are such a great portable project!
Looks like you have hexie addiction! They are looking great!
Your hexies are great. An once you’ve started, you’ll never ever stop. I have a 1/4″ hexagon project going on forever, by now 2500 hexies!
Travel box is an AWESOME idea, I can do this while waiting in the parent pick up line!!!!! They are beautiful Sara!
OMG I’m doing the same thing. My 72 are finished I’m just putting them together now in rows =D
Oh hexie pillow making has been my ballet lesson diversion for the last 6 months – perfect x
Ooh, that’s going to be such a soft, tactile cushion! I’m thinking I need to assemble a wee hand kit of some kind for when I’m travelling…
Ohsoooooo cute!!
Wow looking at these it makes me want to get my hexies out again…..
I have been working on a grandmothers flower garden with the little hexs and have really loved doing these. They are easy and addicting I haven’t decided how big I am going but love the look so far! I kid with my quilt group that they can use it to cover my casket,finished or not! Work in progress!
Christa Marcotte
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I am in the midst of a hexie project…using a different method. I press my fabric to freezer paper, then run it through the printer using inklingo available at lindafranz.com. Check it out!!
just started hexagons. Warning….it’s addictive 🙂
I love my hexi’s. I printed my own templates, and one thing I wish I had done was sew through the paper. When you start sewing them together the paper wants to slip out and some things just don’t come out even.
So cute! I love that line it will be a gorgeous cushion 🙂
Love your little ‘travel sewing kit’ – I always have at least 2 projects on the go – one for machine sewing and one for hand sewing/quilting (which needs to be smaller and more portable). This is a perfect project – can’t wait to see the finished cushion!
They look so pretty too, looking forward to seeing them put together. I bought a hexagon quilt kit from ebaya few years ago, still trying to get up the courage to start it lol.
Your quilts/crafts are so fantastic! It’s so nice to find other quilters all around the world!
http://www.quiltworld2.blogspot.com
Hugs, Ulla (from Finland)
I’m just starting to brave handsewing too. It is addictive. I have an idea of a hexi quilt but I haven’t started it yet. I can’t believe I’m thinking of multiple hand projects.
I love hexagons! I am still looking for some inspiration and thanks to it I found your blog! Lovely start of project 🙂 J.
I’ve been using the Accuquilt dies too! I use the middle size for the fabric, and the smaller size for freezer paper.It’s so fast and easy for English Paper Peicing! I was always intimidated by the hexies before, but now I love them!
What 2 needles do you use? One for basting? One for sewing hexies together? Thanks, love your tips