EPP - Using the Invisible Feather Stitch to Sew Together Hexies

[@julbea]

Best invisible stitch for epp

[@rsislandcrafts]

I love how the stitches disappear so easily.

[@clombard7134]

Hi Robin! Last Apr I started my first hexie project. I am calling it "Grow Old With Me" because I am still making over 1000 hexies, not even close to build the quilt and I am aging rapidly! I wax my thread and use an invisible stitch that is used in garment making. I really do love EPP, just should have started with a smaller project. Be the star that you are Robin and stitch on! Have a blessed Easter.

[@kellynewgarde4701]

I will practice my invisible feather stitich to become an EPP star! Thank you!

[@rsislandcrafts]

Awesome ⭐️

[@ShevuanSereday]

I have used this to construct an 18 century stays.

[@rsislandcrafts]

Very nice. It’s a good technique.

[@juliem.679]

New subscriber here. I have been quilting since the late 1980's and just started to make my first hexies ever this week. It's fun to learn a new technique and I am so glad your video came up in my suggested videos, so I have switched over to using the feather stitch and I like it. As you said, one of the keys is to make sure the stitches are tight!

[@rsislandcrafts]

Welcome to our little corner of the crafty world! I’m so happy you found my channel. I’ve always found It fun to sew hexies. They’re also a bit addictive. Happy Stitching. ✂️🦩✂️

[@trinam2503]

Robin, you've been peeking in my sewing room again!! EPP is my newest obsession! I was struggling with the whip stitch. It showed no matter what I did. I tried the feather stitch after watching this video a couple days ago. It took a few tries to get the tension right, but man!! What a game changer!!! I find the feather stitch, for me, is actually easier and faster! And it doesnt show! I love it!! Thank you once again for sharing tips and tricks that make my quilting even more enjoyable 😊

[@rsislandcrafts]

I’m always looking over your shoulder 🤣🤣🤣 It took me a few hexies to figure out the tension. When I get back to working on my stars I’ll be using the feather stitch. I like It better.

[@trinam2503]

@@rsislandcrafts You are! But it's so helpful! 😃 I'm working on 2 grandmas flower gardens quilts right now. One for my husband and 1 for our daughter. I was doing hubby's out of 1/2in. Hadn't intended to do that, but that the size I started out learning on and he really liked it!!! In 10yrs that the 1st quilt he's ever been excited about! But after watching me do our daughters flowers and seeing how much easier the 1in was he told to do his in 1in also. So I'll use the smaller ones for his dresser. But, I digress! The feather stitch is so much easier and faster and doesn't tear up my finger! I have yet to find a thimble that is comfortable, so I always had a cut in my finger from the back of the needle. But with the feather there is no need to force the needle through. It just glides! So thank you, thank you, thank you!!! And thank you to the lady who sent you the video to try!

[@rsislandcrafts]

I was very excited when I received the link too. Game changer. The 1/2” hexies will look terrific as a dresser scarf or runner. If I can put a decent amount of time on hexies each day I can usually get a quilt top down pretty quickly considering it’s hand sewing. They go together so quickly and that was whip stitching. Once I get the rhythm of the feather stitch they should go even faster. A lot less stitches.

[@trinam2503]

@@rsislandcrafts My daughters is just the 1 row of "petals" so I can do 2-4 in an evening depending how late I stay up. Hubby's is 6 rows so it takes a few days to make each one. But I cant believe how fast they are adding up! I already bought diamonds to try making stars next, they look like fun! 😁 so anytime you feel like doing a tutorial..... 😉

[@rsislandcrafts]

I don’t do anything fancy with my stars. I just sew 60 degree diamonds together like I would hexies.

[@suesmith5033]

I'm making an EPP that looks like stars around a big hexi. Guess I need to pull it back out and start sewing again. I'd never seen this way of stitching them. Learned something new. It's a good day.

[@rsislandcrafts]

Thanks Sue. I’ll eventually pull out my EPP 60 degree diamond stars.

[@lauraruthruff4741]

I've never tried doing EPP... Maybe one day. Kinda reminds me of yo-yo's. I remember my grandmother had a quilt made with yo-yos. I'll have to remember that stitch you used. The word of the day... Star!!

[@rsislandcrafts]

I’ve seen photos of a yo-yo bedspread made using 30’s fabrics. It was very pretty. I once thought It would be fun to make a yo-yo bedspread but after making about 10 yo-yos I decided I didn’t want one that bad 🤣

[@amandac.5846]

I’m gonna try this sometimes I ladder stitch but this looks so much easier

[@rsislandcrafts]

I struggle too much with the ladder stitch. Good luck!

[@sonniecampbell1788]

I’ve never tried EPP but must try! You are an EPP star, Robin! 🌷🌷🌷🌷

[@addelinebell6158]

The star of this channel is Robin. I find hand sewing relaxing and enjoy hand application projects. Thanks Robin.

[@rsislandcrafts]

I agree. Hand stitching of any type calms my soul and eases my nerves.

[@jacquelineblack5801]

I am completely new to EPP. I have just sewed my first 2 pcs together. I was doing my own thing and this just makes sense to me. Ty for helping with this.

[@rsislandcrafts]

You’re very welcome. Happy EPP ✂️ I also have a video for choosing how to finish the edges if you create a quilt or similar project. I call my EPP projects my 5 year project but it’s something to think about while you’re working on your hexies. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZCWnoBsgt97b8U&pp=ygUSUnNpc2xhbmRjcmFmdHMgZXBw

[@jenniferfrieman5677]

Robin I'm so glad I saw that video and sent it to you. I guess I wasn't the only one having trouble with stitches showing. Have a happy Easter 🐣.

[@rsislandcrafts]

Thank you so much for sending the video Jennifer. I think it’s going to be very helpful for many frustrated EPP stitchers.

[@annapedalino7753]

Can’t wait to try the feather stitch out! Wish me luck!

[@rsislandcrafts]

Good luck!! You got this!

[@debihall1697]

I wish I would have seen this earlier. I did a hexy twin . This would have been great... well maybe next time I’ll be a star..lol

[@caroltate9627]

Good technique. Thanks for sharing it with us Robin -- you're a star!

[@stitchincindi]

Star-ry eyed at what all you do! Happy Easter, God bless and stay safe!

[@mayolson2]

You always come up with great tips whether a tip from someone elses video or what is buzzing around in your imagination ! Thanks.

[@rsislandcrafts]

Thank you

[@sandrastreifel6452]

This is great, I think this will improve my EPP over whipstitching them. My first project is a Grandmother’s Flower Garden lap quilt. This stitch seems a bit quicker, as well. Star-level work on your part!

[@rsislandcrafts]

Thank you. I hope this stitch makes your project go a bit faster. I love to sit down and relax with a little bit of hand sewing at the end of the day.

[@sallynoel3563]

I haven't delved into the world of hexing yet. On my "things" to try list. I'm flagging this "star" of a video for reference! Happy Easter to you and yours!

[@rsislandcrafts]

Happy Easter Sally.

[@brendamartinez3068]

Your a rock star in your videos!

[@gretroman8235]

I haven't seen this method of connecting hexies before. I like the name feather stitch. It looks easy to do once you learn it. That needle threader brings back memories of my grandmother. When we were children, one of the " jobs" was to take needles and spools of thread and put 5 needles on each spoolthread end. And thread white and black needles threaded in pin cushion. She had that same needle threader for when we were not there

[@rsislandcrafts]

Thank you for sharing your wonderful memory. I’ve seen a couple videos where they show what you mentioned. Loading lots of needles onto spool of thread so you don’t have to stop to thread a new needle each time. I had a feeling It was an old time trick.

[@kathywalcott290]

Im going to happy to try this technique on my EPP diamonds (not stars) I’ve been working on for 20 years! Lol

[@rsislandcrafts]

I really like the final look using this stitch. Like anything It just takes a few EPP pieces to find your rhythm. I must have said this a hundred times but trying it on a test piece first is very helpful 🦩

[@bitsnharry]

I love EPP hexagons for some reason. I have a good sized piece made all scraps. I have 4 sections all bigger than 12 inches that are in the process of being sewn together. I will definitely try this for the joining. The hexagons are small! It's been ageing gently pinned to my bathroom wall! I also have the start of a small quilt done in the Texas "star "- hexagon center but the petals have points on the outside edge. That one is planned fabric and even older. I think the last time I worked on it I was still married and moving from one post to another - don't even know which military move that was. I got my paper pieces for that one on line but I cut my own for the scrap one with a hexagon punch from Creative Memories from cardstock. Good video - thank you!

[@rsislandcrafts]

We get so excited to start a fun new project but after awhile we lose steam. Or something new gets us excited. Then those “fun” projects just sit there waiting for us to return.

[@elizabethsawyer5906]

Your a star Robin! That is another very helpful tip. Thank you💕

[@leeallen210]

This was a great video. Thanks for sharing this method. You are a star.

[@donnadees1971]

Kudos, so glad how you did it so cleanly!

[@rsislandcrafts]

Thank you!

[@yiayia1071]

Star....gotta love them.

[@harperreads]

Wow, I swore I would never do EPP, mostly because of my sad had sewing skills. This stitch seems like one that could up my game to star level eventually. Maybe someday I will give it a try.

[@rsislandcrafts]

What I like is that you can make one hexie flower and know right off if it’s for you. Then you can sew your one and only hexie flower onto a mug rug or zipper pouch and be done. Move on to the next thing to try. It’s not fun to start a large quilt only to realize that you don’t like the fabric or technique.

[@lesleygilbert1945]

I've never done EPP but I feel after all your instructions I'd do a good job haha. Our weather has been hot then cold but lovely full moons at night, which makes it difficult to see any stars :)

[@rsislandcrafts]

The weather has been crazy around the world. I’m no longer surprised. I love a bright full moon but I do miss the stars.

[@malgorzatawandycz7912]

Looks like this is a lovely way to put the hexagon's together. It will definitely be a star in my EPP. Have a lovely Easter Weekend. God Bless you and your family.

[@patandrews6963]

I like the Feather stitch. Gonna try it now and see if it works as good for me as yours.

[@rsislandcrafts]

It’s a fun stitch to try.

[@bananabradysmom]

You are a STAR, thanks for the awesome video!

[@rosemarymarie5595]

Hi I love the feather stitch. Made one 9+- inch block from 7/8 inch hexies to set into a lap quilt for my mom. Used the feather stitch. Came out perfect. Thank you.

[@rosemarymarie5595]

Star!!!!!

[@rsislandcrafts]

Great job!

[@rsislandcrafts]

I love EPP stars. It’s fun to add a bit Into a project because for me a 100% EPP hand pieced quilt would take me years. I’d enjoy It but It would be my long term project.

[@lindamb8962]

I'm going to try the feather stitch since I had a problem with stitches showing on the first (and only) hexi project I made. Thanks for the tip. You're a star Robin!

[@kentvegplot]

Thanks Robin, you’ve reminded me to get back to my box of hexies and make some more. Will certainly try this stitch. Happy Easter, you’re a star for sharing so much useful stuff

[@shirleythomas6377]

Really like this stitch and the results. Great tutorial. Thank you. You definitely are a shining 🌟 star.

[@claudettemonty4077]

I will try this stitch thanks!

[@CordulaPrice]

Thanks 😊 Star

[@PrettyAliceNight]

I’m going to try this! Thanks for sharing! ⭐️

[@rsislandcrafts]

You’re very welcome. I hope It works for you.

[@conqueringmountscrapmorewi2509]

Such lovely stitching! Thanks for posting!

[@mary-ruthflores4107]

I like this stitch, I start with sliding my needle under the fold about 1/8” away and angle so the point comes out the tip. Then continue the way you do. At the end I knot at the corner then slide the needle under the fold and out then clip. This keep the thread tails contained

[@rsislandcrafts]

Great tip! Thanks for sharing.

[@maryoconnor1396]

I like the feather st and will give it a try here goes

[@rsislandcrafts]

It’s nice to have different options when we’re hand sewing. Happy Stitching.

[@lisamarieesposito4842]

I’ve been wanting to try EPP and just haven’t done it yet. Look so time consuming, but looks relaxing too. So maybe that can be a summertime project so I can do it in the sunroom or outside. I also thought that you had to make it into a large quilt. But I like that table mat that you made with them. You earned a star ⭐️ in my book for trying this out for us!!!

[@rsislandcrafts]

That’s the fun. EPP is portable so perfect for summer time and you can make as many or as few as you like. Some people will make a hexie flower and then stitch It to a simple white square of fabric. Then sew those squares into a quilt top. It takes fewer hexi flowers that way.

[@lisamarieesposito4842]

@@rsislandcrafts that’s true....thank you for the ideas!!!!

[@rsislandcrafts]

I like to dabble but I don’t always want to make an entire quilt 😉

[@DespiteMyself7]

This stitch seems like it would be a little easier on the eyes as well. Sometimes, if the light isn't great, I find that it is tough to take shallow enough bites in whipstitch.

[@rsislandcrafts]

I agree. It is a bit easier on the eye. I find that it’s easier on my wrists too.

[@janesauter3850]

Great presentation

[@rsislandcrafts]

Thank you so much. 🦩

[@shauna6340]

I love this invisible feather stitch! You’re an EPP Star!! Have you tried the EPP ladder stitch? It moves along the edge rather than across the edge. My old eyes have beat your young eyes to the needle threader 😂 by a few years 😉

[@rsislandcrafts]

I have tried the ladder stitch. I’m not very good at the ladder stitch no matter how much practice I get. It never feels comfortable and It doesn’t always look nice. 🤷‍♀️

[@shauna6340]

@@rsislandcrafts yeah, I get that. The ladder stitch tutorial also said it wasn’t as strong as the whip stitch, so I think my next hexi project I need to give the feather stitch a try!

[@rsislandcrafts]

Strength of the seam always worries me. Which is probably why my whip stitches look more like satin stitches when I’m done 😆

[@piglet1639]

Love it. 🤘

[@MrsKateT]

🌟

[@dorothydishman4664]

I find that my thread doesn't tangle as much because I am not doing a circular movement. Great job.

[@rsislandcrafts]

That makes sense. Thanks for sharing.

[@linzjan4276]

Loved this video, have been changing to this stitch, finding it really easy and satisfying. Am very interested in the magnets you mentioned to hold pieces together while you sew, can you tell us what these are called and where they might be available.

[@rsislandcrafts]

The magnets are called Sew Tites. I’ve seen them Amazon but of course many online quilt shops carry them. I know they come in a couple of sizes. I’m so glad that the invisible feather stitch has worked for you. It took me a bit to switch over but I enjoy stitching It and the final look.

[@dragnfly917]

I am legally blind and I have a LOT of difficulty getting my needles threaded. That needle threader would help a lot! Where did you buy it?

[@rsislandcrafts]

The needle threader was given to me by someone who had duplicates. You can find them on Amazon and I’ve seen them at Joann’s. I think if you search online you’ll find many options. Good luck!

[@debbierichard8370]

That looks the same as flat back stitch. Am I right y’all? I’ll have to try both to see. I’m always looking for someone to come up with new stitches. Makes this fun.

[@rsislandcrafts]

Could be. Each stitch seems to have more than one name. Or two stitches are very similar except for one little thing. As long as It works I don’t mind what it’s called 😆

[@theresatyree3090]

As you coming up on one side, are you picking up a thread and then the other side?

[@rsislandcrafts]

Only one side at a time. When I came up on the red side It was only through the red. Then I’d come up on the blue side and only through the blue. I hope that helps.

[@kerriamerifinn9824]

I use a piece of painter's tape (on the front side) to join the two pieces together open (not face to face) then use that same stitch to join them. I tried to make one of those star quilts once but those teeny star points were too much for me.

[@rsislandcrafts]

I’ve seen that technique and I think it’s a great one. I tried It once and It felt awkward. It’s one of those things that takes practice. I imagine that it’s much easier to keep your stitches on the back of the hexies that way.

[@lisagoodson3223]

Hi I have a question.. do you use single thread or double threads? Thank you

[@rsislandcrafts]

I use single thread. For quoting cotton that should be all that’s needed. You can try doubling thread and see how It feels and looks. The double thread would of course be thicker which might make It more visible from the front side.

[@nancywiggins6299]

Would you post a link to your needle threader and the needles you are using in this video please. Thanks!

[@rsislandcrafts]

It’s the Clover needle threader and I’m sorry but I don’t know what needle I used. I tend to buy the multi size pack of needles and then use what feels good in my hand for each project.

[@moiratroop4129]

will be trying this cause my stitches show with wipe stitch. star tutorial

[@susanvogel4315]

Do you only use a single thread?

[@rsislandcrafts]

I do. The stitches are close enough to provide a strong seam.

[@LindsayAllison1]

Does the threader work for small needles like 11 Milners?

[@rsislandcrafts]

I’m not sure. I haven’t tried any Milner needles. It has worked with needles that have very small eyes if that’s what a Milner needle has. If it’s a very short length needle then I’m not sure. If the needle doesn’t poke above the device then It might be hard to remove the threaded needle. I’ve seen them on Amazon recently for a very low price. It might be worth trying out. I know I love mine and It gets used often when I’m hand stitching.

[@LindsayAllison1]

I don't like clips or magnet (I mean I like them) but magnets are hard for my hands. I fumble, and the clips end up snagging my thread. So clamp hands it is!!

[@rsislandcrafts]

We all have to do what works for us. Sometimes I wonder if it’s simply because this is how I always do something so why change? New gadgets may be great for someone just starting out but I’ve already found my technique and I tend not to change. Happy stitching!!

[@lucysumerlin1992]

What thread is the best to do EPP. I’m new to it. Thanks

[@rsislandcrafts]

I use what I put in my sewing machine. I tend to use a light grey color thread since my hexies tend to be scrappy. I feel that if you poll a bunch of EPP creators you will receive a bunch of different answers. Not what you want to hear but you’ll find what works best for you by trying different threads. I would choose a good quality thread for the actual stitching but if you thread baste you can use anything you have laying around.

[@claudettemonty4077]

I just bought one and I don’t successfully thread the needle. Can you tell me what I do wrong??

[@rsislandcrafts]

I know it’s frustrating. The tool that is supposed to make your craft time easier has now caused more stress. Without sitting next to you and watching you use the threader I can’t know what you’re doing wrong. Does the eye of the needle match the thickness of your thread? Not too big. Not too small. Have you tried lining the eye of the needle so that the threader can easily go through the eye without having to spin the needle? It makes me feel like I need extra hands but I gently and loosely hold the thread along the sides of the threader and back away from the needle while I slowly press the lever. It took me awhile to get the hang of the threader. I hope you get It figured out. It really is a good tool.

[@theresabecerra6565]

Wow I have the same needle threader but doesn’t work every single time. I will try pulling slowly out with my star needles

[@rsislandcrafts]

It’s the little things that can make a big difference. I’m always in a rush and that doesn’t always work in my favor. To be honest I tend to forget I even have a needle threader. I spend too much time and swear way too much trying to hand thread a needle. I know my eyes have gotten worse but I swear the eyes of needles have gotten smaller too.

[@ShadowMoonFarms]

I have the needle threader also, but have NEVER gotten it to work. It says the eye of the needle needs to be oval not round. I keep trying different needles and have not found any that work. What's the secret??

[@rsislandcrafts]

I’m not sure but I do think the needle might be the trick. I couldn’t get this threader to work before no matter what I tried. Then It just worked 🤷‍♀️. It had to be the needle.

[@LisaLisa-zl9vu]

So when you go to the blue side it looks like you go into where the red stitch is but then you let the needle travel over on blue side once the needle comes out?

[@rsislandcrafts]

Do you mean my stitches aren’t straight up and down? If so then you would be correct. I go in directly across from say the red stitch. But when I come out of the blue fabric I move over an 1/8th of inch give or take. Does that sound right or did I make It worse? It’s not an easy thing to put into words.

[@LisaLisa-zl9vu]

Ok how you just said it is exactly what I meant. I like this method. Thank you!!!! Enjoy your channel.

[@rsislandcrafts]

Excellent. I didn’t make It worse 🤣. Thank you.

[@carolyntompkins3207]

Star

[@rsislandcrafts]

🌟