Want to play with hexagons without doing English paper piecing? Try this method from Nicole Daksiewicz at Modern Handcraft.
Modern Handcraft is one of my favorite modern quilting websites. Nicole Daksiewicz’s blog is a constant source of inspiration, colorful quilted projects, and fun techniques – many with helpful tutorials.
I was excited to find her Modern Handcraft Hexie Pillow Pattern on our website. A pillow would provide a small, quick project to practice her modern hexie method of adding hexagons without English paper piecing (EPP). I do enjoy EPP – but this alternate technique was appealing.
Here are the supplies used:
- Modern Handcraft Hexie Pillow Pattern
- (41) 2-1/2″ fabric squares (I used 2-3/4″) – (4-5) squares each of nine coordinating fabrics
- One yard of fabric for the front and back of the pillow
- 21″ x 21″ square of batting or fusible fleece
- Odif 505 Spray & Fix Temporary Adhesive Fabric (optional for spray basting)
- (41) 1″ hexagon paper templates
- Scissors
- Rotary cutter
- Self-healing cutting mat
- Quilting ruler
- Thread for basting on the back – will be removed
- Hand sewing needle – Clover Black Gold Applique Size 9 are my favorite
- Thimble – optional, Clover Open Sided Thimble is my favorite
- Clover Desk Needle Threader – optional but my favorite!
- Aleene’s Fabric Fusion Permanent Fabric Adhesive 2 0z. Needlenose – important!
- Hera marker
- Fairfield Soft Touch Pillow Insert 18 x 18
The Modern Handcraft Hexie Pillow Pattern provides step-by-step instructions and illustrations as well as links to two videos – one for constructing the hexagon shapes and one for securing them to the pillow with quilting lines. The photo above shows some basted hexies
Then I auditioned patterns for the hexies.
My final design is shown above. I swapped out one of two similar fabrics for a lighter blue. Can you tell I am a symmetrical person? I am working on it.
Her pattern and videos provide all the information you need to apply the hexagons and quilt the pillow. Please note the Fabric Fusion Glue with the needle nose tip – this particular version is highly recommended. The Hera marker worked well for marking quilting lines.
I left out some steps – but they are all in the helpful pattern and videos. The finished Modern Handcraft Hexie Pillow turned out well. I especially like the way the quilting line form little triangles! As a bonus, the pattern also includes an alternate flower-shaped layout for the hexies.
If you would like to try this fun technique – please hurry to get your Modern Handcraft Hexie Pillow Pattern. In the short time I worked on the pillow (and unbeknownst to me) the pattern went on CLEARANCE and we do not have many left. Be sure to check out the Modern Handcraft website to see other ways this technique is used – and Nicole’s other great ideas!
