Hexagon tutorial.......................Sorry Mom

Dearest Mom
I am just borrowing your blog to do a tutorial for English paper piecing !!!!!


So, here goes "Mrsolearyscowintexas" and "Sewlovecupcakes" !!
This is my first tutorial on a blog - lets hope it goes according to plan. There are many techniques to English paper piecing - and not for one moment am I suggesting that mine is the best - but I have been doing this for nearly 25 years and found it the best for me.  I love the way paper piecing is portable and sociable!!!
I will discuss the cutting of the fabric in today and the tacking and whip stitching in the following days.
I like to have a seam allowance slightly bigger than the normal 1/4" - and am very relaxed in the way I cut my fabrics.

You will need the following:
Rotary cutter, mat and ruler
Tacking thread - I used any thread that I have lying around
Whip stitch thread - I like to use Rasant thread and unlike most English paper "piecers" I use a double strands (ie 2 strands)
Needles - This is where I am a tad particular - Milliners or straw needles are longer than most - so ergonomically, they are better for our hands. I use a #4 for tacking and a fine #9 or #10 for the whipstitch
Papers for covering - either precut or cut them yourself
Fabrics of your choice


 Begin by measuring your hexie and determining the size seam allowance your prefer. I prefer the wider seam allowance as it gives my seam strength and is much easier to tack. In the photograph below I have used a 1" hexie and have cut the strips of fabric at approximately 2 1/5". Cut your fabric into strips according to your hexie measurement.


 Concertina your fabric strips into folds - allowing for the seam allowance at the top and bottom of the hexie.

With a pair of scissors cut the folds of fabric.


 Cut off the corners - mindful of your seam allowance.


You are now ready to tack!!!!!

I will post the next episode tomorrow!!!!
Good luck!
XXXX
Jenny

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