Master the Art of Hexagons: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Finish Your Quilt

Have you ever stared in awe at a beautifully finished hexagon quilt and wondered how it was possible? The intricate geometric design may seem daunting, but with the right techniques, anyone can complete this stunning project. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to finish a hexagon quilt and discover the satisfaction of bringing all those tiny pieces together into one cohesive masterpiece. Whether you’re a beginner quilter or looking for a new challenge, follow along to learn how to finish a hexagon quilt like a pro.

The Hexagon Quilt: A Brief History

Quilting has been around for centuries, with evidence of early forms dating back to ancient Egypt and China. However, the hexagon quilt, also known as the “hexie” quilt, has a more recent history. It gained popularity during the 1800s in England and North America.

Hexagon quilts were often made using scrap fabric, as the unique shape allowed for efficient use of leftover pieces. In some cases, wholecloth hexagon quilts were created to showcase intricate hand-quilting designs.

In the mid-1900s, hexie quilts experienced a resurgence in popularity due to their use in English paper piecing techniques. This method involves wrapping fabric around a paper template in the shape of a hexagon. The templates are then basted together and hand-stitched into place.

Today, the hexagon quilt continues to be a beloved pattern among quilters of all levels. Its geometric design and endless color combinations make it a versatile choice for both traditional and modern quilts.

The Basics of Creating a Hexagon Quilt

Before diving into how to finish a hexagon quilt, it’s important to understand the basics of creating one. The traditional method involves English paper piecing using fabric scraps or precut hexagons.

If using scraps, start by cutting out paper templates in your desired size. Common sizes include 1”, 1.5”, or 2” sides. Then, cut out fabric pieces about 1/4” larger on each side compared to the paper template.

Place the fabric right sides together with the paper template on top. Fold one edge over and secure it with a basting stitch or clip. Continue folding and securing until all edges are folded over onto the paper template.

Once all edges are secured, hand-stitch along each folded edge using a whipstitch or ladder stitch. This will create a hexagon shape. Repeat this process for as many hexagons as needed for your quilt.

Choosing Your Hexagon Quilt Design

Deciding on the design of your hexagon quilt is an important step before finishing it. There are endless possibilities, but here are some popular options to consider:

1. Grandmother’s Flower Garden: This traditional design features a center hexagon surrounded by coordinating hexagons in a circular pattern.

2. Tumbling Blocks: This design creates the illusion of 3D cubes by using light, medium, and dark fabrics in a diamond pattern.

3. Millefiori (Thousand Flowers): Similar to the Grandmother’s Flower Garden design, but with added hexagons around the center for a more intricate look.

4. Diamonds and Stars: A modern twist on the traditional Grandmother’s Flower Garden design, with additional stars added in between flower clusters.

How to Finish Your Hexagon Quilt

Once you have completed all of your hand-stitched hexagons and have created your desired quilt top design, it’s time to finish your quilt! Here are the basic steps to take:

1. Remove Paper Templates:
If using English paper piecing, gently remove all paper templates from the back of each hexagon. Be careful not to damage any stitches or fabric while removing the paper.

2. Create Batting and Backing Layers:
Layer your quilt top with batting (the middle layer that adds warmth) and backing fabric (the bottom layer that gives stability and protection). Baste or pin these layers together.

3. Quilt Your Hexagon Quilt:
Now comes the fun part – quilting! You can choose to hand-quilt or machine-quilt your hexagon quilt top with stitching patterns of your choice.

4. Trim Edges:
Once your quilt is quilted, trim the edges to make them even and straight. This will also remove any excess batting and backing fabric.

5. Add Binding:
To finish off your hexagon quilt, you will need to add binding – strips of fabric that go around the edges to give a neat and polished look. There are several methods for adding binding, but one popular technique for hexagon quilts is to use a bias binding.

6. Hand-Stitch Binding:
The final step is hand-stitching the binding in place. This can be done using a blind stitch or ladder stitch for an invisible finish.

Tips for Success

1. Be Patient:
Hexagon quilts take time and patience, but the end result is worth it!

2. Use High-Quality Tools:
Investing in good quality tools, such as sharp scissors and needles, can make the process easier and more enjoyable.

3. Experiment with Color and Fabric Choices:
Don’t be afraid to mix and match different fabrics and colors in your hexagon quilt design. Play around with different combinations until you find one that speaks to you.

4. Take Breaks:
Working on a large hexagon quilt can be overwhelming at times. Don’t hesitate to take breaks or

Understanding Hexagon Quilts

Hexagon quilts, also known as hexie quilts, are a beautiful and unique type of quilting that has been gaining popularity in recent years. These gorgeous quilts are made up of individual hexagon-shaped pieces of fabric that are sewn together to create a stunning and intricate overall design. The finished result is a masterpiece that not only provides warmth and comfort but also serves as a beautiful decoration in any room.

Creating a hexagon quilt may seem like an overwhelming task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Whether you are new to quilting or have been honing your skills for years, learning how to finish a hexagon quilt is something every quilter should know.

Gathering Materials

Before you can start working on your hexagon quilt, you will need to gather all the necessary materials. These materials may vary depending on the type of quilt you are making, but here are some general items you will need:

– Hexagon templates: These can be either pre-made templates or ones that you cut yourself. They come in different sizes depending on the desired end result.
– Fabric: This is the most crucial element of your quilt. Choose fabrics that complement each other while also fitting into the theme of your quilt.
– Thread: Make sure to have plenty of thread in various colors to match your fabrics.
– Sewing machine or needle and thread: While it is possible to hand-sew a hexagon quilt, using a sewing machine will make the process much quicker.
– Scissors: Have both fabric scissors for cutting fabric and regular scissors for cutting paper templates.
– Iron: A hot iron is essential for pressing seams and ensuring straight lines while sewing.
– Rotary cutter and mat (optional): These tools can make cutting fabric much faster and more accurate.

Preparing Your Fabric

Once you have gathered all your materials, it’s time to prepare your fabric for cutting. If you are using pre-cut fabrics, then this step can be skipped. However, if you are cutting your own fabric, here are some tips to help ensure accuracy:

– Wash and iron your fabric before cutting: This will get rid of any sizing or wrinkles that may affect your measurements.
– Use a rotary cutter and mat: This will allow for more precise cutting, especially if you have a lot of hexagons to cut.
– Create a template or use pre-made ones: Having a template for your hexagons will ensure consistent size and shape throughout your quilt.

Cutting and Sewing Hexagons

Once you have prepared your fabric and templates, it’s time to start cutting out your hexagons. Depending on the size of your template and how many hexagons you need, this step can take some time. Make sure to cut enough hexagons for the desired size of your quilt plus extra in case of mistakes.

After you have all your hexagons cut out, it’s time to start sewing them together. The most common way to sew hexagons is by hand using a whip stitch.

To sew the hexagons together:

1. Take two hexagons and place them right sides together.
2. Starting at one edge, use small stitches to attach the two pieces together.
3. Continue stitching along the edges until you reach the end.
4. Knot off the thread and cut any excess.

Repeat this process until all the desired pieces are attached, creating rows of connected hexagons. Then sew the rows together until you have completed the main body of the quilt.

Adding Borders

Once the main body of your quilt is complete, it’s time to add borders. Borders not only add a decorative touch to the quilt but also help to stabilize and frame the design.

To add borders:

1. Measure the length and width of your quilt.
2. Cut strips of fabric to match these measurements, allowing for a ½ inch seam allowance on all sides.
3. Sew the strips together to create a long strip that matches the desired length or width of your quilt.
4. Pin and sew the border strip onto the corresponding edge of your quilt, right sides together.
5. Finish by ironing the seams flat.

You can add as many borders as you like, each one adding its own unique touch to your quilt.

Finishing Touches

Once you have added borders, it’s time to finish off your hexagon quilt. This can be done in several ways; some common methods include:

– Hand quilting: By using a needle and thread, you can create intricate designs on your quilt.
– Machine quilting: If you have a sewing machine with a quilting foot, you can use it to create beautiful and evenly spaced patterns on your quilt.
– Tying: This method involves tying pieces of yarn at regular intervals through all layers of fabric to secure them together.

After completing these final touches, trim any excess

1. What is a hexagon quilt and how is it different from a regular quilt?
A hexagon quilt is made up of hexagonal-shaped fabric pieces that are sewn together to create a unique geometric pattern. It differs from a regular quilt in terms of its shape and construction method.

2. What materials do I need to finish a hexagon quilt?
To finish a hexagon quilt, you will need fabric pieces in the shape of hexagons, thread, sewing needle, scissors, batting, backing fabric, and a sewing machine (optional).

3. Can I hand-sew or do I need to use a sewing machine to finish a hexagon quilt?
Hand-sewing is the traditional method of creating hexagon quilts, but you can also use a sewing machine for faster and more efficient stitching.

4. How do I join the individual hexagons together to create the quilt top?
There are several methods for joining individual hexagons together, such as hand-sewing with a whip stitch or using an English paper piecing technique. You can also use a sewing machine with a zigzag stitch.

5. How do I add batting and backing to my hexagon quilt?
Once your quilt top is complete, place it on top of batting and backing fabric and baste the layers together using pins or temporary adhesive spray. Then, stitch through all layers to secure them in place.

6. What is the best way to finish off the edges of my hexagon quilt?
You can finish off the edges of your quilt by binding them with fabric strips or using bias tape. Alternatively, you can sew two layers of fabric right sides together along the edges and then turn the quilt right side out through an opening for a clean finished edge.

In conclusion, finishing a hexagon quilt may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be a rewarding and enjoyable process. By following these steps, from planning and preparation to quilting and binding, you can create a stunning and impressive quilt that will be cherished for years to come.

First and foremost, it is important to carefully plan out your hexagon quilt, from selecting the design and fabric to making precise templates. This will ensure that your quilt turns out exactly as you envision it. Next, take the time to properly baste your quilt sandwich to prevent shifting or bunching of the layers during quilting.

When it comes to quilting your hexagon quilt, there are various options such as hand-quilting or machine quilting. Whichever method you choose, make sure to take breaks and step back periodically to check for any flaws or mistakes. This will save you time and frustration in the long run.

Once you have finished quilting, it is important to neatly trim any excess batting or backing before binding your quilt. The binding process may seem tedious but is essential in providing a clean and professional-looking finish. Don’t shy away from trying new techniques like bias binding or decorative stitches for added flair.

In addition to following these

Author Profile

Jill Nammar

My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.