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Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Hexie How To

Last week I posted a picture of these wonderful new tools. There were a few questions about them. 
I'm going to attempt to answer them. 

First question: Do they cut fabric?
No. These do not work on fabric. I tried and they didn't cut even a tiny bit. These are scrapbook tools and it seems them are strictly for paper. 
So if you aren't terribly upset I'll go on with a quick demo. 
If you like hexies and you are anything like me, you probably have several of these packages in a range of sizes. 
I never seem to have enough because I keep mine in till the last possible moment. I'm hoping with this new tool I'll never run out again!
Today we have it easy compared to the ladies back in the 30's and before. They would make one template, mark their fabric and sew them together without using them as a form. Or maybe this is just how the maker of these hexies did it. 
It's now my problem to get all the flowers together on a backing. 
Lets get back to today. 
Find a piece of card stock, not too heavy. I found that the card stock that comes in a package of nylons is perfect. This is what you see below.  
I stamped out both sizes for you to see. 

Now there are two ways to wrap a hexie with fabric. Sewing or glueing. I use to be a sewer but I'm trying to learn to glue. 
Both ways start the same. 
Grab a piece of fabric. Make sure you have at least a 1/4 inch on all sides. 
Cut the fabric around your hexie. It doesn't have to be pretty. You need to have enough fabric to fold over each side and enough to adhere to the next corner. 
Start by folding over an edge, holding it with your fingers fold over the next edge. If you use glue, add a drop. If you sew take two stitches on the corner. 
Pinch, glue/sew, hold. Repeat around each hexie corner. 
When you are done you may want to give the hexie a hint of pressing. 
You want a flat hexie. It makes them easier to whip stitch together. 
Just keep making them till you have seven. Of course there are many hexie quilts out there. Hexies can become addictive so good luck!

Take care, Brandie

6 comments:

Esther said...

Well I am glad to know it does not cut fabric, though I wish it did. Every time I think I am done with the hexie thing, I get tempted again. Well not yet, but maybe someday. I look forward to seeing what you are making.

Barb said...

clever tool for making your own paper pieces!

Lori said...

Nice tutorial!

Jean(ie) said...

Clever!!!!!
I need to try the glue method on a project. Right now I sew and only sew the corners (fabric only) so I can re-use them. But the glue prospect sounds "more-gooder"

Wendy said...

My punches arrived today! Like you I use way too many papers and it does add up over time...now I will always have papers at a more economical cost....again thank you for the heads up on finding them...

Jo said...

Great tute! Thank you :0)