Pages

Friday, May 20, 2011

Tutorial - Removing Hexie Papers + A New Project


To say that things have been a little chaotic in our household the past few weeks would be an understatement.  But we had a little break in Victoria at the end of last week which helped immensely.  I am back at work now feeling a bit more refreshed.  I have been stitching up a new design in some brighter colours than I would normally use.


It is ready for the sewing machine to do it's magic now and then comes the horrible pattern writing - Not my favourite part at all.


I have been asked by a number of ladies about the gluing method of making hexies.  I first watched Sue Daley use glue and have found it to be wonderful.


You can use any type of fabric glue but I prefer to use Sewline glue pens.  Do not use too much and just fold and glue and then press down all the way around each hexie.  Then sew your hexies together to form a flower.  These flowers without centres are the type that I have used for my Lorraine's Flowers Table Runner which you will find in this month's Patchwork & Stitching Magazine.


As you can see the glue holds really well.


 Once you have joined your flower you can then begin to lift the fabric away from the cardboard.  I prefer to use a large florist pin to slide between the paper and the fabric.


As you can see it is much bigger than a normal sized pin.


Then once you have broken the seal on all sides of the hexagon paper you can use the pin to lift the paper out.  This avoids tearing of the paper which means thatyou can press it flat and then re-use it again.


There will be a few stitch marks where you have joined your flowers but the paper will be fine to re-use a few more times.


Once the paper is out press the folds down and continue all the way around removing papers.


Then press the entire flower flat to seal the folds.


To baste down onto your background fabric use some basting glue around the edges.


I prefer to use Roxanne's Glue-Baste-It



To ensure that nothing moves I also use tiny Clover Applique pins in the centre of each hexie.  Then you can sew down using your preferrred method (machine or needleturn).  I hope that these photographs have helped illustrate this easy method to you.

If you are wondering about the gorgeous fabrics I have used in the photo's it is Bubblegum Basics by Quilt Soup and this is a new quilt design that I have almost finished.  Hopefully I can show you it completed soon.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone and be sure to hold those that you love close to you.

Hugs - Fee XX

12 comments:

Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique said...

Thanks Fee. Great tutorial, tips and tricks. Love the fabric too.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne

retdairyqueen said...

I have been wanting to make some hexagon flowers Thanks for the tutorial

Tudy said...

I do not use the glue method but I do just stitch the fabric over the cardboard hexies. I have punched a hole in the center of each hexie and use the tip of my scissors to pop out the card stock I printed them on out of the fabric. I do not stitch through the cardboard just tack the corners where they fold over each other. Just a suggestion about the punched hole.

Allie said...

Loving what I see of your new design, Fee! Great tips on the hexagons.

Penny said...

I use Tudy's method too. Don't stitch through the paper, just tack the corners.When it's time to remove the paper, just pop them out.No need to remove the basting stitches too because they can't be seen on the right side! Saves precious time:)

The Pink Poodle said...

Hi Fee...Love it ALL...
But totally way OUT of my league..

You are just SOOO CLEVER...

keep warm in tassie..!!

xx andrea

Cardygirl said...

Cute little hexies...keen to see what you are up to!

Margaret said...

Thanks for the how to run through. Have to invest in some of thost glues.

Melody said...

Thanks so much for this Fee, I might give glue a try. Have a great weekend too.

Jenny of Elefantz said...

Fabulous tutorial, Fee! I actually think I'll give this a go now...please, don't faint. LOL! I *will* make hexies, I will, I will!
Hugs
Jen
xxx

Susan said...

HI Fee, I was also going to mention about punching a hole first - but someone has said that already - BUT instead of scissors to remove the paper/cardboard try a crochet hook - so much safer than the pointed end of a pair of scissors - and you can sill use the glue (which was the whole point ofthe tutorial- whcih was very clear by the way!). mmm looking forward to seeing whatever that top picture turns into.

Kris Meares - Tag Along Teddies said...

Hey Fee! Glad you got to enjoy a little break away for a rest. Love the colours you're working with! I've been playing with some not-my-usual colours lately too and finding I love the challenge of thinking outside my comfy little square ... sometimes! Tee! Hee! Hee! Hope you've had a great weekend! Bear Hugs! KRIS