EPP Hexagons: Beginner’s Guide & Projects

Friendly, Encouraging

Informal, Encouraging

So, you’re thinking about diving into the wonderful world of English paper piecing hexagons? That’s fantastic! The Shape Templates from a trusted brand will be your best friend as you embark on this creative journey. Many quilters find that Liberty Fabrics offer the perfect pop of color and pattern to really make those hexagons shine. The Victoria and Albert Museum, with its incredible textile collection, is a great place to draw inspiration for your own designs, showcasing the timeless beauty of geometric patterns. Don’t worry if it seems tricky at first; mastering English paper piecing hexagons is totally achievable, and soon you’ll be stitching up gorgeous projects!

English Paper Piecing Hexagons: Your Friendly Start & Fun Projects!

So, you’re thinking about diving into the world of English Paper Piecing (EPP) with hexagons? Awesome! You’ve picked a fantastic shape to start with. Hexagons are classic, versatile, and super satisfying to piece together. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started, and then we’ll explore some exciting project ideas to fuel your creativity.

Part 1: Getting to Know Your Hexagons

Before we start stitching, let’s cover the basics. This section is all about understanding the materials, tools, and fundamental techniques.

• What is English Paper Piecing? A brief overview explaining the method of wrapping fabric around paper templates and hand-sewing them together. Emphasize the portability and relaxation of EPP.

• Why Hexagons? Briefly explain why hexagons are a good choice for beginners, highlighting their symmetry and tessellating nature.

• Your Essential Supplies:

  • Fabric: Discuss the best types of fabric (quilting cotton is ideal) and how to choose colors and patterns for a cohesive look.
  • Paper Templates: Explain where to find them (pre-cut, printable templates online, or DIY). Mention the different sizes available.
  • Needle & Thread: Recommendation for needle size and type (fine needles for hand sewing). Suggest a strong, thin thread that blends with the fabric.
  • Scissors: Small, sharp scissors for precise fabric trimming.
  • Glue Pen or Basting Thread: Explain the two common methods for securing fabric to the paper templates – glue basting and thread basting. Explain each method and its pros/cons.
  • Optional but Helpful: Rotary cutter, cutting mat, ruler, seam ripper (just in case!), thimble.

• Preparing Your Hexagons:

  1. Cutting Fabric: How to cut fabric pieces with a seam allowance (typically 1/4 inch). Show how to use a ruler and rotary cutter for efficiency, or scissors if preferred.
  2. Basting: Step-by-step instructions with illustrations for both glue basting and thread basting. Explain how to fold the fabric neatly around the paper templates.
  3. Removing the paper templates: briefly describe how to remove the paper templates from the EPP hexagons.

Part 2: The Stitching Magic!

Now for the fun part – connecting your hexagons! This section focuses on the actual sewing technique.

• The Whip Stitch: This is the go-to stitch for EPP. Provide a clear, step-by-step tutorial with illustrations, explaining how to create a neat and secure seam. Emphasize keeping the stitches small and consistent.
• Joining Your Hexagons:
  • Matching Points: Stress the importance of accurately matching the points of the hexagons for a clean finish.
  • Hiding Knots: Explain how to bury the starting and ending knots within the seam allowance for a professional look.

Part 3: Hexagon Project Ideas to Spark Your Creativity

Okay, you’ve got the skills, now let’s put them to use! Here are some inspiring project ideas to get you started. Remember to adapt these to your own skill level and preferences.

• Project 1: A Mini Hexagon Flower:

  • Description: A simple, quick project perfect for practicing the whip stitch.
  • Materials: A handful of hexagons in different colors.
  • Instructions: Step-by-step guide to joining the hexagons into a flower shape. Show how to add a backing fabric and turn it into a coaster or a decorative element.

• Project 2: A Hexagon Coaster Set:

  • Description: A set of individual hexagon coasters that can be arranged in different patterns.
  • Materials: Multiple hexagons in coordinating fabrics, batting, backing fabric.
  • Instructions: Guide on creating individual hexagon coasters, including quilting and binding techniques.

• Project 3: A Hexagon Pouch:

  • Description: A small zippered pouch made from interconnected hexagons.
  • Materials: Hexagons, zipper, lining fabric.
  • Instructions: Detailed instructions on constructing the pouch, including how to insert the zipper and add a lining.

• Project 4: A Hexagon Quilt Block:

  • Description: A single quilt block using hexagons. This can be used as a sampler or incorporated into a larger quilt.
  • Materials: Hexagons, background fabric, batting, backing fabric.
  • Instructions: Show how to create a unique hexagon quilt block design and add it to a quilt.

• Table: Expanding Your Hexagon Knowledge

  Topic	Resources
  Fabric Selection	Online fabric shops, local quilt stores, blogs
  Paper Template Options	Etsy, Amazon, Printable Templates online
  EPP Tutorials	YouTube, Blogs, Online Quilting Courses
  Inspiration for Projects	Pinterest, Instagram, Quilting Books

So, grab some fabric scraps, print out those hexagon templates, and get ready to dive into the wonderful world of english paper piecing hexagons! It might seem a little fiddly at first, but trust me, it’s incredibly relaxing and the possibilities are truly endless. Have fun creating!