This simple English paper pieced hexie tutorial will have you growing your fabric hexagon collection in no time. Paper pieced hexagons, commonly known as hexies, are part of the English paper piecing family.
I first noticed hexies on Instagram. People were making some pretty fun quilts, wall hangings, bags and other neat projects with them.
I decided that I wanted to learn how to make them so that I could make some cool projects too.
Hexies are a great stash buster for your scraps since you only need a small square of fabric.
Or you can use mini charm packs and get a sample of each print from an entire fabric line.
The process to create a hexie is really simple. As soon as you figure it out you will be booking along full speed ahead adding hexies to your collection.
Let’s get started.
Supplies
- 2 1/2 inch square piece of fabric
- 1-inch paper hexagon
- Thread
- Scissors
- Needle
- Pins
How to sew a hexie
First, place a paper hexie in the center on the back side of your fabric.
Pin in place from the front side of the fabric.
Cut a piece of thread, about 12-14 inches, and thread your needle.
Working on the back of the hexie, take one side and fold the fabric over the paper hexie. We are going to work counterclockwise.
Holding the folded fabric firmly in place, put your thumbnail at the above corner, and fold the second side over.
Having your thumbnail at the corner will give you a clean fold at the corner.
Take your needle and thread and stitch through the fabric only, using a downward motion.
Stitching from top to bottom and while rotating in a counterclockwise direction will cross your thread over itself and help to better lock in each stitch.
Leave a small tail and stitch a second time to lock your starting point in place.
Moving counterclockwise fold the next corner over, using your thumbnail to get a clean corner.
Stitch through the fabric in a downward motion. Repeat for all corners.
After you have stitched all the corners down stitch once in the first corner to finish your hexie.
See? Simple. After you make a few you will be addicted and you will soon have a huge collection for some neat projects of your own.
Do you need a lot of hexies for your project? Check out my DIY Paper Hexie Templates tutorial.
Want a storage container like mine? I am using a Sterilite Divided Case. It’s perfect for storing all your supplies and finished hexies.
Be sure to let me know below if you have any questions or if you found this post helpful. I would love to see your social media posts. Just tag me or use #ambersimmonsblog.
Looking for more sewing ideas? Check out my Sewing page for more projects and tutorials.
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Just wondering… When are the paper templates removed ?
After you have hand stitched the hexies together. Or if you are going to place them on top of a project you would take the papers out before you place them.
So the paper just slides right out?
Yep. You just pull the paper out. The hole in the template helps you be able to remove it.
Also, I see when they get stitched down there’s almost an opening on each side?
It’s fairly loose, yes. But you would press them folds really well before you take the papers out. Depending on the project, you might have even sewn it to other hexies before removing the paper.
I use a glue stick instead of sewing around the paper Hexagon. Much easier and faster……….🙋🏻❤️
Where can the paper hexies be purchased? Sorry if I missed this information.
There is a link to them on the supply list. Or, I have a post on how to make your own. https://ambersimmons.com/diy-paper-hexie-templates/
Amazon has a wonderful supply
Can the card stock templates be reused a few times or do they become bent when they’re removed?
Yours is the clearest tutorial I’ve seen — thanks!
They can become a little bent when removed. I would say as long as they are able to still hold their shape they are fine.
I always found hexies intimidating but love the finished look. Your tutorial makes it look so much more “doable.” I think I’ll give it a go.
(I got a bunch of paper hexies with a quilting mag a few years ago. Im glad I kept them for “someday!”