Hexagons part 1

Here's a little "how to make" for the pieced hexagon patchwork, as I have had several requests

You need 2 sizes of hexagon, 1 for the paper pieces and 1 for the fabric pieces, this is the size used for the paper hexagon with a seam allowance of your choice all around usually about 1/4" / 6mm
I use normal printer paper for my hexagons, not the really cheap stuff just the normal weight paper. When I print stuff instead of recycling it in the recycle bin I cut hexagons from it. I also recycle leaflets and junk mail that keeps coming through my letterbox. I have used 2"/ 5cm sized hexagons (the paper hexagon size) but you can usethe size you prefer.

 

1. Place a fabric hexagon with the wrong size facing up and place a paper hexagon centred on top. You can pin the paper and fabric hexagon together if you prefer.

2. Fold over 1 edge, I usually run my fingernail along the seam (finger press). Tack the fabric to the paper by starting in the middle of the seam do a few small stitches or knot the thread to begin with (whichever method you prefer to do!)








 

3. Fold over the next seam and finger press, make a stitch or 2 in the corner through all the layers of fabric and paper. Make another stitch in the middle of the seam.

 4. Repeat until last fold. Fold the corner fabric to match the other sides, stitch to secure.











You need 7 hexagons to make a flower (my next hexagon how to make)

Hexagon Crazy

So this time last week I was teaching the hexagon taster class (it's the start of the Easter break today so no teaching work for about 4 weeks!) and my mind is still in hexagon mode. I bought a couple of packs of reduced price cotton recently (very cheap 3 balls of £2.50) and decided to play with them and make different types/ patterns of crocheted hexagons the only restriction been they must be the same size as my fabric hexagon patchwork pieces.Maybe I will mix and match them?
Maybe I will create a new fabric design print using the crocheted hexagons?
Or maybe I will do both ideas?
I have decided to blog my progress regularly to keep me focused on this project, I have far to many on going projects, several 95% finished so this year I plan to complete as many of them as I can. And yes I know I will still start new stuff but that's how my brain works! :)
Ok now I need to make another dozen crocheted hexagon experiments

Patchwork Hexagons

On Monday I was teaching a taster patchwork class (just 3 hours long). The first photo is my prep.for the class

The rest of the photos are the students work, I though everyone did really well.






We made pieced patchwork hexagons, tacking fabric to paper and joining the pieces together and for the more advanced an introduction to an origami hexagon.

The next taster is class is for Applique. It's in July and excellent news its free. I will post more details nearer the time.