how I do my hexi quilts

[@afran7855]

I came across your video and I’m so grateful for you sharing your knowledge. Thank you. About a year ago I attended a free class at out local community center, and I learned about English paper piecing with 1 inch hexagons. Our teacher had made a beautiful quilt by hand while she was battling her breast cancer and going to her chemo treatments she took her little hexi sewing kit with her. I was so inspired by her and what I learned, I have been doing the same. I have so many doctors appointments these days and I hand sewn myself a huswif or called a housewife sewing kit to take my hexi with me and I get a lot more done than I would only being at home. I use my old Christmas cards for my paper hexis, but I’m definitely planning on getting a punch. I also found the tutorial and pattern for free for the huswif here on utube, there are several , so I just picked one that I liked. I thank you again and look forward to watching your channel. It’s nice to sit and sew with you while watching 😊, almost like a sewing bee with a fellow hexi lover. Happy sewing.😊

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Awww hello there. I wish you all the best with your appointments. Yes. I always have a hexi kit with me, or my knitting, or mending when we go anywhere. I hope it isn't chronic illness that has you going to the dr so often, or cancer. Cancer sucks! And so does chronic illness. Sending big hugs. I haven't posted in a while and it will be a bit sporadic for now, as I am trying to get a better spot for the videos. And really trying to figure out how to make better videos hahahahaha. So glad to have you here. 💓

[@rhondabland2301]

Before you put the fabric on your paper I use a hole puncher and put a hole in center of paper piece , it helps to take the paper out of the Hexie easier

[@ginaashby6782]

I do tht to learnt tht from another you tuber

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Oh yes. That is a great way to do it. Makes it easier to take them out. I'm just too lazy hahahaha. But I def like that little tip.

[@virginiaseedsskogen2038]

Thank you for the tip!

[@PYN111]

aha! I’ve seen the papers w/ the hole and wondered what that was all about… now I get it!

[@debiogle3798]

I love to work with my hands and have done my very first quilt entirely by hand. It’s not perfect but I love it!

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Only the Gods are perfect! None of my quilts is ever perfect and I like it that way. Lol. But I know what you mean. I saw a bunch of flaws in my very first ine as well and still see flaws in the things I make. But that is what keeps me going and improving and learning more. The flaws are what keeps it interesting. ❤️🥰

[@armeyf]

I was so fascinated by this that I returned to watch it again. Thank you.

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Awwww. Thank you so much! ❤️

[@jackiebga]

Nicely done. I appreciate your thriftiness in repurposing items that would otherwise be put in the landfill.

[@sidewalkpirate23]

@@jackiebga thanks and thanks for watching. ❤️

[@erin19798]

I love the quilt and little pillow as well. Pillow would be a good starter project.

[@sidewalkpirate23]

@@erin19798 thabks for watching ❤️ pillow is def a good starter project. You can make it as big, or as small as you like/need.

[@CW-cz8et]

Lovely pillow, i love scrappy sewing❤

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Hello. Thank you so much. Sorry I haven't gotten notifications from comments in a while and missed a whole bunch.

[@Marialla.]

Every couple of years the hexie bug bites me again! It's fun to collect lots of little hexies and carry them everywhere I go, sewing a few minutes here and there. I love the portability of it! I like the idea of doing a pillow or other small project, so I'm not overcommitting to finish a whole quilt every time. Just keeping it a fun project to complete quickly and feel proud of.

[@sidewalkpirate23]

@@Marialla. for sure! The protabillity and the way to use up wven small scraps does it for me! Thanks for watching!

[@lisascenic]

I really like your approach to backing your patchwork. Thank you for sharing your insights.

[@sidewalkpirate23]

@@lisascenic you are so welcome! ❤️ happy patching!

[@Stampingerms]

Love, love, love the quilt as well as the pillow 💐🥳

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Thank you! ❤️

[@RoseOriginals]

I'm so glad I found your channel! I wanted to make a hexagon scrap quilt for a long time now. I love the fact that you can work on this anywhere by just bringing along just a few items. I spend a lot of time sitting around at my mother's doctors appointments. Thank you for sharing your method! New subbie!

[@sidewalkpirate23]

@@RoseOriginals awww thanks for watching and subscribing. ❤️ would love to see your work!

[@schrellkauffman9303]

Love the pillow and the quilt you are working on is beautiful!💕

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Thanks ❤️

[@livingintheforest3963]

❤❤❤❤ Love hand quilting!!! That’s what I am doing!! Just went on Etsy and bought the paper ones. You can buy 500 of them in a pack it’s not expensive. I’m hoping they’ll work good she said 2” x 1”.

[@jmc-xp6ml]

How did the hexagon papers work?

[@gretchendecot7140]

I subscribed to your channel after reading your motto! I first heard it 50 years ago and it made as much sense back then as it does now. I’m looking forward to seeing more of what you make

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Oh gosh. Thanks so much for subscribing. Lol. Yes that saying has been around a while. I am glad you are here. 98%of what I make is made from recycled, reclaimed or theifted items. Yard and garage sale finds etc. (I'm on a suuuuper tight budget). What sort of things do you like to make?

[@soniatriana9091]

Awesome video!! After watching this video, I believe I could attempt this style of hand quilting, plus I love the fact that this queen size quilt is just random!! Great video! Great presentation style! I wish I had come across your channel sooner! Your very engaging & I’m thrilled to subscribe & follow along!! Thank you for taking the time to create such a fabulous tutorial!! I hope you eventually show what the finished quilt looks like!! Have an awesome day!!

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Awwww hello there! And thank you for following. This was just supposed to be a little video. I am not used to people watching my videos at all hahahaha. Glad it helped you. I will make a few.more follow ups on this. How I do the actual quilting and such. I would love to see what you make! Tag me on instagram if you have an account. I am sidewalk pirate over there as well. ❤️

[@UAStitchery]

Thank you! This is the most easy to follow and understand explanation!

[@sidewalkpirate23]

@@UAStitchery awww. So glad it helps! Thanks for watching. ❤️

[@heidilecompte4198]

I really enjoyed your video. Thank you!

[@sidewalkpirate23]

@@heidilecompte4198 I'm so glad. ❤️ Thanks for watching.

[@bella-bee]

I like that, with this size of patch, or smaller, you really only need to tack the fabric at each corner over the papers, so you can so easily pop them out, and the seam allowances then are stitched down. Makes pressing so easy. Pay attention to getting 2 parallel edges on the straight of the grain, and the finished quilt will lay flatter for you. When I’m starting to sew patches together I start off in the seam allowance so the knot isn’t in the seam itself. You can sew them on a zig zag machine, with a very narrow zig zag, from the right side. Just butt them up together. Try that with invisible soft thread. I use a seam allowance of 1/4 -3/8”, less in emergencies, but more than that I trim off, or it gets lumpy. I like making “flower gardens” with several layers, and a neutral or navy ‘path’ between. Another nice shape is a diamond shape, by sewing a flower shape, then put and extra patch top and bottom, then work another layer around that, and voila, you have a diamond shape, and put paths between. Very nice look!

[@janetburgess5781]

I am so glad I found your channel. I am a hand quilter too. I have not done anything in some time. I have been slow stitching but it really is for no reason. You inspired me. I never thought of paper punches for the shapes. Thank you When you think of it stitching the hexagons together is slow stitching. LOL That is a great way to do your quilt. I work on them whole but one time I ended up with tennis elbow and needed cortisone shots. Maybe that is why I haven't made another one LOL thank you so much. I will look at more of you videos.

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Oooh hey there! So good to meet fellow hand quilters! Yeas. Omg they can definitely give you carpal tunnel and tennis elbow. I like to take mine along (we do not own a car and do everything by public transport, so lots of waiting and time to stitch). I love slow stitching. Working on a slow stitch quilt for a friend right now. I might show it in the next video. Working on getting something together for thos Sunday.

[@janetburgess5781]

@@sidewalkpirate23 I would love to see the slow stitching quilt. So you are on every Sunday.. Good to know. Thank you

[@sidewalkpirate23]

@@janetburgess5781 I am.going to try and do something for Sundays. Might not always work out, but I am def trying for it. I plan on doing a demo on how I finish the edges on Sunday for my hexi quilts as I don't k ow if it really came across in the other video. I can definitely show my slow stitch/running stitch quilts.i do have lhotos over on my instagram page of them but it's a lot of scrolling. I think I posted some links to the quilts as a reply to one of the other comments...

[@judysmith184]

Thanks for sharing. I started sewing hexagons about 2 yrs ago. I took a kit with me to my grandson's baseball games for a while but stopped after a while. I only had a small amount of hexies done (about 50) and I did sew them together but just stopped sewing them until last week when I went to the beach on vacation for a week. I was going to pack my kit up and take it with me and forgot it so I went to WalMart and Joanns and bought fabrics, thread, templates, etc. and started sewing hexies again. Now I have 2 different hexie projects going because the template I bought did not match up to the hexies I had paper pieced originally. I also learned the machine sewing hexie as well when I got back home. I am still learning more about sewing hexies and liked your suggestions on sewing in rows and blocks of 9x9. I am going to go back to my original project and get it into same suggestion but mine may be more like 15x15 based off what I already have but I know it will work. Pretty crafty myself but sometimes I just need someone else's suggestions. Thanks again for your video!

[@sidewalkpirate23]

@@judysmith184 so glad it helped. Yeah sometimes it just takes a bit of a nudge when we are stuck. Glad you picked it back up. I am super impressed by people machine piecing them. I cannot get myself to even try it hahahahaha. Maybe one day. Happy sewing. ❤️

[@rhondabland2301]

I like your work.can I give you a tip. When you cut out your paper punch holes in it with hand held hole puncher,it makes it easier to remove your papers

[@sidewalkpirate23]

@@rhondabland2301 thanks for watching and thanks for the tip! ❤️

[@shelleyshahanaghi3399]

So happy to have found you here on KZbin. I love in Canada and am a long time quilter but new to English paper piecing. Could you show a video on how you paper piece and stitch together different shapes like squares, petals, clamshells etc. I would love a tutorial on this. I love the idea you have of using flannel for your lining. It makes for a lighter blanket. I will definitely be giving that a try. I am thoroughly enjoying EPP and feel like I have found my absolute favorite way to sew. Thanks from Calgary, Albert, for your beautiful videos.

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Awww hello! I don't live far from the Border with British Columbia! Just about 45 minutes or so. I could absolutely do a video on other shapes. Clamshells are a pain, but so cute when they are done. Lol I think I am not at all doing them right lol, but the outcome is what I want, so I don't care hahahaha. I will put this video on my list for sure and maybe pull out the tumbler quilt I started from vintage linens. To show that as well.... it got put away after the move 4 years ago and never saw the light of day since lol. Might be time to drag it out and dust it off..

[@donnaclement3228]

Wow. I love the way you find a way with what you have in your home! Impressive. Don'g have to spend hundreds of dollars. Money into thread and fabric!!

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Hello there. Yes. I always like to try things first with what I have at home lol. That's how I started spinning yarn as well. A home made spindle and some cheap roving. I think that is why I lile paper piecing. You don't need any fancy equippment. ❤️🥰

[@andifism]

I just paused the tutorial and ordered a hexagon punch! Wow, your work looks amazing, thank you for sharing.

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Oh yayyy glad it was helpful! Those punches made myife so much easier!!!

[@guadalupeblakey9926]

Love your tutorial. I made some pillow covers for my porch bench one hexi in very large size, I will make in smaller size. They look so precious the way you made them. Thanks.

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Awww. I looove hexies of all sized. I want to make some larger ones. Have to get the larger size paper punch though.

[@dianetuttle9396]

You do good hand work. It looks very relaxing. I will give it a try. Thanks for the tutorial

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Oh! I am so glad you will try it. It's fun once you get into it. Can't wait to see how you like it! Have fun!

[@lisaanderson6602]

Thank you for sharing❣️🥰 Please stay healthy, safe and happy always❣️🥰 How inspiring❣️🥰 You have so many great ideas❣️🥰

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Awww thabks. I already feel much better than I have been. 🥰❤️

[@ellenstokstad]

This was a very good video. Thank you! You expain everything in a good way.

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Awww thank you so much! So glad it helps people! ❤️

[@zormier2002]

Awesome job! That’s so much work! ❤❤

[@sidewalkpirate23]

@@zormier2002 thanks for watching ❤️

[@ribbonquest]

I'm terrible at hand-sewing but I still want to try everything. The idea of using a hole punch for the hex templates is a real game changer. I'd never seen the point of those fancy hole punchers before.

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Yeah they can be pretty expensive. I had a few smaller ines for confetti and doing some decor kn letters I write to friends. The hexies one was a real investment. I do want to get the 2 inch ine also eventually. But it seems my budget is always spent before I get around to it lol. These paper punches are definitely cheaper than a circuit cutter though. And I am not sure a circuit cutter would be any faster tbh. So I am happy with my punches.

[@VeronicaH3]

Thank you!❤this was so satisfying. Kindred spirit

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Yayyy! High five for another epp-er! Would love to see your work. Just getting back in instagram, if you would like to connect. I am here: instagram.com/sidewalk.pirate?igshid=YmJhNjkzNzY=

[@barbarameehan113]

I love this tutorial. I just subscribed. This looks sew creative. Your teaching is wonderful.

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Awww thank you so much! ❤️ i will do another "how I finish my edges" on Sunday, if you want to watch.

[@Dasburyfamily]

Thank you for your tutorial on EPP Hexi’s. I’ve been learning to machine quilt the last 2 years. I was taught at age 8-9 to hand embroider. I don’t do it anymore, but I find comfort in learning EPO as it takes me back to those days sitting with my mom or grandma sand sewing by hand. I baste my Hexi’s the way you do. I tried glue but found it frustrating. I have to remember to use thread wax to keep my thread from knotting up. I’m just beginning my EPP, I have several sizes I’m making and creating little project bags too fit in the go “waiting” filler project. I’m using scrap fabric for one project and Picnic Pop fabric for another. It’s really relaxing to do.

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Oh your projects sounds great! Yes. I love those little bags. You could make a bag from some of your epp fabric! I adore small projects in between. I started my kids on handcrafts when they were lottle as well. They didn't care much for it then, but recently my daughter told me how glad she is to be able to do this type of thing. (Yayyyy only took 20 years hahahahah)

[@Dasburyfamily]

Also, I’m a new subscriber to your Channel. I didn’t think of making a small project bag out if my EPP’s. That’s a great idea! Thank you!💖💖💖

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Awww. I would love to see when it's finished. If you are on instagram and post pics, please tag me. I am sidewalk.pirate over there. instagram.com/sidewalk.pirate?igshid=YmJhNjkzNzY=

[@bella-bee]

I like that, with this size of patch, or smaller, you really only need to tack the fabric at each corner over the papers, so you can so easily pop them out, and the seam allowances then are stitched down. Makes pressing so easy. Pay attention to getting 2 parallel edges on the straight of the grain, and the finished quilt will lay flatter for you. When I’m starting to sew patches together I start off in the seam allowance so the knot isn’t in the seam itself. You can sew them on a zig zag machine, with a very narrow zig zag, from the right side. Just butt them up together. Try that with invisible soft thread.

[@annebettencourt9587]

I just discovered you yesterday and have subscribed. I’d love to see more of your hand work … love your tips and tricks for EPP. I’m just starting out with this journey .. love how fun and portable it is. Also, if you are willing to share, I’d love to know about your journey with the other hand work that you do. ❤️

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Oh. Hello! Thanks for subscribing! ❤️ Wishing you best success with your epp journey! It is a lot of fun. And yes. The portable part was a big reason why I finally went for it along with being able to use scraps of fabric too small for other things. I can certainly show a bit more. Tomorrow I am aiming to make a more detailed video of how I finish my edges and maybe for next week I can do some on my runnin stitch /slowstitch quilts. Need to look up how to edit a video to include photos lol. I am new to this youtube thing 😂

[@annebettencourt9587]

Thank you! I’m just starting to do EPP. Your tips and tricks are so helpful! Now my fingers are itchy … ready to dive in! I’m a quilter but this is a great way to make my projects portable!

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Sweeeet! Omg. I am always in awe of people that make traditional pieced quilts on or off a sewing machine. That is a skill! Epp is way more forgiving in matching points lol I would love to see what you make!

[@annebettencourt9587]

I have to add … I have new respect for magazine publishers who provide free card stock. Unfortunately, I don’t get magazines anymore (too expensive), but I will keep an eye out for junk mail for the contained freebies. Also, putting the word out to friends and family who can contribute to the cause! Right now I have enough ‘flowers’ tamale a table topper … will grow my ‘garden’ to make a quilt. Thank you for the inspiration!

[@sidewalkpirate23]

@@annebettencourt9587 yeah. I don't get magazines either but our library has a free spot where the community can drop old ines off to trade. And there is a website where one answers questions about recycling and can earn points and you can get magazines for the points. (Which is weird to me because that takes paper. One would think their rewards would be more carbon balanced lol) I have to look up what it is called again. But I am sure a google seatch will help. I can find the link if you want. And like I said, I use mostly junk mail and old cards my friends save for me.

[@santagreen7360]

Thanks it looks great 😍😍😍

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Hello. Thanks ❤️

[@mamasknittingyasminjaved6481]

V neat n sophisticated work.v unique idea..

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@lauraoneal5146]

Just found you and I have subscribed. I too am a fairly new EPP enthusiast. Love how u use repurposed baby blankets for quilt sandwich. Keep up the videos. You did great on this one. Keep stitching and don’t stress over the things others would consider “mistakes”. Life it too short. I liked seeing how u wiggled things a bit to make the points line up better. Looking forward to more videos!!

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Awww thanks and welcome. Epp is so much fun and the possibilities are endless for what shapes one wants to use. I have seen the most amazing medallion quilts done in epp. Just .mnd blowing!

[@lauraoneal5146]

@@sidewalkpirate23 I would LOVE to see it. Grandmother’s Flower Garden has always been one of my favorites and I could never wrap my head around how it was done. Now I know and I WILL make of my own at some point. Right now though I am just going like you and just kinda grab and stitch it together. My house is super eclectic so this will fit right in.

[@sidewalkpirate23]

@@lauraoneal5146 oh yes. The flower garden quilts are so adorable. Just make a flower and the. One round of plain in between all the little flowers. I might tackle on eventually. But one has to pay attention for patterns lol and right now I am happy as a clam just puttering and adding random hexies.

[@sidewalkpirate23]

@@lauraoneal5146 google millefiori quilt pattern and prepare to pick your jaw up off the floor. Pontrest has them too and I believe it is a hashtag on instagram as well.

[@pamfrank3962]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and talent

[@sidewalkpirate23]

@@pamfrank3962 it was my pleasure. thank you for watching my video. ❤️🥰

[@kayk8123]

Your way looks so much simpler. I know that so much work goes into them,l9ve as well. Have you ever made a pillowcase from the hexagon? Tfs! Blessings 😊

[@sidewalkpirate23]

@@kayk8123 Hello! Thanks for watching my video. I have not made a pillow case from hexagons yet. But I kind of want to now lol ❤️

[@beverlybrouwer3457]

I just watched a post by a hexi lover. She makes templates from very stiff stabilizer she buys on Amazon. The templates are left in. Saves an extra step in making hexies.

[@sidewalkpirate23]

True. It certainly is one way to go. It would save a step, but I handquilt all my quilts and I would be afraid it adds extra bulk to stitch through. Plus it makes the hexies stiffer, so the whole quilt would be stiffer in the end, no? I have never used it, so I am not sure how that would behave after washing. I think for projects like little baskets or bowls or something like that, things that you want a bit more rigid, this is definitely something to think about.

[@MonaDidWhat]

Thanks for sharing your method of epp

[@sidewalkpirate23]

@@MonaDidWhat thabks for watching the video ❤️🥰 it was my pleasure.

[@christinelitvak6427]

I bought a ream of lightweight cardstock to use as the inner papers. They are reusable many times because with my sewing technique I do not have to fold any of them. I trace one hexie over and over on the cardstock then cut them all out with scissors. That project in itself is relaxing so I don't need to speed it up. To cut the fabric, I have a plexiglass template that is just slightly larger than my cardboard inserts. I rough cut a stack of pieces of fabric that are a little bigger than the plexiglass template then I take each of those pieces and hold them against the plexiglass and cut the edges with the scissors skimming the edges. If the fabric has gotten wrinkled while it was stored, I iron the hexies after spraying them with a little spray starch. When I get ready to sew them, I fold the fabric over the cardstock and fasten the sides using a small fabric clip on each corner. I remove the clip as I come to that side. I can swivel the clips out of my way as I am working. I like your idea of using lightweight flannel blankets for a bed quilt or a couch throw so it is not too warm. I have not made anything that large yet. I made two placemat sized pieces for our butler side table using regular batting. That table is next to my husband's favorite chair. He puts brimming mugs of coffee on that table, and I wanted something that would not show coffee drips, well sloshes really. I wash the one cover when I can wrest it from him, getting all of his clutter off of it and switch it with the other cover I sewed. Those covers I quilted on my machine and stitched in the ditch. I also sew coasters using seven hexies in a circle with regular batting in the middle. I sit on my couch sewing them while watching my old Perry Mason and Murder She Wrote DVDs. I collect so many coasters that I have to donate them to charity and give them to friends. They make nice candle mats. Those battery candles are sometimes a little sticky because they are made of plastic and these coasters are perfect for them.

[@sidewalkpirate23]

@@christinelitvak6427 Oh! Those place mats sound lovely! I have been wanting to make some for us, but haven't gotten around to it. Maybe I make that my August project. I am very interested how you sew the hexies without folding the paper? Would you please elaborate on that? I have tried, but it's all just getting in my way lol I would love to figure it out. ❤️

[@RoslynTaper]

Brilliant, just brilliant.

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@Kathleen58]

I haven’t work on my hexies in awhile. I use sew on interfacing and cut them on my scan and cut, then I don’t have to take them out. I also sew them together on my sewing machine which can be a lot faster than sewing by hand.

[@sidewalkpirate23]

@@Kathleen58 thanks for watching. Oh the scan and cut machines sound amazing. They sure make life easier. I have watched people sew the hexies on a machine and it is fascinating to me lol. It is a skill I do not possess 😂 Happy sewing! ❤️

[@Dranma51]

Beautiful! I can’t decide whether to do this or to make Grandmas Flower Garden! What do you think?

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Why not both? Lol The flower gardens are so pretty. I have one on my to make list for sure. ❤️

[@susanapt2158]

Me encanta 😍, yo también coso los hexágonos como tú y si se ve la puntada pues mejor así se nota que está hecho a mano 😅

[@sidewalkpirate23]

I will have to ask my husband to translate this for me. He is Hispanic. I myself only speak a few words Spanish, but I am fluent in German lol. Which does not really help right now.

[@susanapt2158]

@@sidewalkpirate23 😊

[@elizabethcollins8817]

I love your hexi quilt 🤗 I am making one too. I think I may try your idea of sewing rows together instead of flower shapes.

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Flower shapes are so cute, but for my brain the rows work better. Just a well.... relativeley straight line to zip across. 😂 I feel it goes faster for me.

[@Marialla.]

Sometimes I like to spray starch my fabric before marking and cutting it. The extra stiffness makes it so easy to mark since it doesn't shift as much. It also helps a lot when bending the fabric around the template, so it stays nice and crisp.

[@sidewalkpirate23]

@@Marialla. yes! That is a great idea! 👍

[@robinnickerson3319]

Love your color schemes! For your Queen size quilt, I would love to see how you join your panels of four 9x9 hexies; with the batting and backing attached. Is this similar to a Quilt As You Go technique?

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Yes. It is kind of similar. I will do a video when I get ready to join the first two panels. Might be a while though. I have been slacking on that quilt a bit tbh. This would give me a great excuse to pick it back up. ❤️ Or maybe I could make a mock up... 🤔

[@suehorn4182]

I was taught to thread baste through the papers, which is necessary when I do 2 inch hexies.

[@sidewalkpirate23]

@@suehorn4182 yes I totally agree. With any shape larger than 1.5 inches side length, I baste through the paper. But these are 1 inch hexies. They really don't need it. Thanks for watching. ❤️

[@susanonealsmith8434]

Really enjoyed your tutorial! I'm a new subscriber, just found your channel today, and really enjoy your teaching style. I haven't begun my EPP yet, just became interested this week, but am excited to start. Thanks so much for sharing your tips! Love the crochet garlic basket too - so cute!

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Yayyy. So glad you are joining the epp crowd! It's a lot of fun. So versatile and there is some amazing work out there. Specially in the fussy cut area. (I am too lazy to fussy cut lol but some of the work is mind bending! So much talent out there.) Glad I could help a little bit. If you are looking for some book recommendations, I would suggest All Points Patchwork from Storey Puishing (not affiliated). It is super thorough and a good reference to have on hand. I forget the author's name, sorry (I am so bad with names 😬). Happy patching! ❤️

[@susanonealsmith8434]

@@sidewalkpirate23 Oh, thank you so much!! I've ordered one book already, but will look that one up as well. I'm a former reading teacher, so I cannot have too many books! And yes, I've never fussy cut before, and am already amazed at what I've seen in the EPP world! Strange because I really like quilts with larger pieces I can put together quickly, but this seems to be so portable and a nice quiet thing like crochet to achieve that mindfulness we all need. Thank you for the welcome and recommendations, I'm excited to see your more of channel in the future!

[@sidewalkpirate23]

@@susanonealsmith8434 oooh have you checked out the #Millefiori pattern hashtag on instagram and the pics on pintrest. It is jaw dropping, mindblowing, ridiculously amazing work!

[@susanonealsmith8434]

@@sidewalkpirate23 No, I haven't, thank you! I will check them out today!! Thanks again!

[@sidewalkpirate23]

@@susanonealsmith8434 milefiori quilt pattern to be exact. Milefiori just gets you a ton of flowers in all kinds of mediums lol

[@sonniecampbell1788]

Great tutorial and what a great system. Your quilt is beautiful and even more stunning that it is all hand cut and hand stitched. Love that! And your pillow is so cute, too! New sub 🪡🧵🤗

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Awww thanks ! ❤️🥰

[@grammaterry6]

Thank you for sharing your work! You have a really great system. Fun that you just keep a box of completed hexies and can use those as you go and then do a real “scrappy”quilt.

[@sidewalkpirate23]

I did make one quilt with a pattern, but there was so much to keep track of hahahha. I am too scatterbrained to enjoy that sort of thing lol. Do you quilt? I alway admire people who can make those amazing patterned traditional quilts.

[@joyaquilts]

Love this!

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Thank you! ❤️

[@massivebeauty5540]

45/50 years ago, I also traced, scissor cut and then hand sewed a flower garden quilt, I know it was over a 1000 pieces. I didn't know about paper piecing. I think my way was definitely quicker, but I'm willing try pping. P.s. it took me well over a year off and on to finish it!

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Oh wow! That must have been a lot of work. I like the paper liecing method, because it makes it pretty mindless. Just baste and go and then I can sew as I have time without worrying too much about all the points matching up, because these pieces are easily matched and eased in a bit. I bet your quilt is gorgeous! ❤️

[@kathleenmayhorne3183]

I bought a set of see-through plastic template rulers. I use a larger size fot the fabric, and smaller for cards. I use a tube of clear sticky tape or a piece of double stick tape. Get some lint on it so it's not super sticky. I use sharp scissors to cut paoers out up against the edge, for accuracy. Every time you cut thread, you can manage to have it unravel. I go under the fabric up to the other end of seam, then sew back to the beginning. If you sew strips of laft and right, you can do a wider strip in one pass. Up, out for sewing back, up, out for back etc, no snipping but getting the same width of your strip anyway To minimise awkward seams. Two ends of thread are about as much as I leave in the space, so i'm not wasting thread. I run in ends i'm about to cut so they won't unravel or migrate to the front. I put extra stitches in corners to keep all points together. With larger shapes I can angle my tacking stitches to keep pressure on the long side ot fabric against the corner stitches, (if you put your corner stitches closer to the middle, you can put a small stitch closer to outside and not through the paper, ) to keep it close to the paper. I love that you don't tack through the paper, neither do I, though paper clips work to hold fabric as I tack it.. i just don't leave metal on or in it long term, so it can't rust. Thanks for the random blocks tip, and the flannel. A tiny hole in the centre of papers, can help get them out later. You are sewing the original traditional whip stitch. For machines use zig-zag stitch and sew very close to and off the edge. I have seen the lady that works from the backs. I don't have stitches showing anyway either, so I don't use her stitch method. Ladder stitch is a good one to close holes. All the best.

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Thanks for sharing! ❤️

[@idlewildwind]

I'm wowed by your methods! This is so neat and time-consuming and I would not have the patience for it. But I do have an idea for plastic reusable templates: lamination film! Get a thin film, and run it through the laminator without any paper between the layers. Then you can cut out the hexes/squares with your punches. If you then punch a small hole roughly in the middle, you can pull them out of the patches swiftly with a crochet hook. Might be more durable than paper.

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Yes! Definitely a way to go! I don't have a laminator and I am using waaaay too many of these, but I think for smalled projects that would definitely totally work!

[@karenmurphy7066]

Thank you! I'm so new I've never tried a quilt but i want to learn. As a beginner, I was fascinated about your use of beeswax and am even wondering how you made your beginning knot at the bottom of the thread. Loved hearing you talk about what you do while you were doing it. Loved your drawer of basted pieces and loved your little to-go quilting bags. Thank you for sharing. I subscribed

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Oh. The beeswax makes the thread stronger and it makes it tangle less. I deffinitely recommend it. There are other thread conditioners out there besides beeswax. But I make my own and beeswax is easy to get. (I get irganic and cruelty free). And the knot is called a quilter's knot I believe. Super easy to do. Simply wind your yarn around the top of your needle and pulk it down to the end. I will show it in slower in the next video on Sunday if you like. ❤️ Just jump in and do it. It is fun and there is tons of help out there. If you want to try paper piecing in particular I would recommend a book called all points patchwork by Diane Gilleland (Storey publishing) it explains everything there is to know pretty much and will have you stitching in no time. For regular quilts, I would recommend a class at your local fabric store maybe? I am no good at matching points, so I stick with paper piecing lol. Good luck to you on your quilting journey and thanks for subscribing! ❤️

[@annebettencourt9587]

I’d like to see your pin cushions … how you make them .. what you use for stuffing, etc.

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Oh sure. We can definitely do a pincushion video. I am already getting a lost together. This sunday is already planned and seems like next Sunday is too, but I could do a shorter one some time in between, or do a full one on my sewing basket one week after that. Let me know.

[@cpater5397]

2:36 it’s called card stock , also watercolour paper works well it .

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Yes but watercolour paper is expensive. I rather keep it for my watercolours lol I wanted to show you don't have to buy anything specific and can reuse/recycle stuff you have around the house.

[@bobbinwithbrittany]

This was such a helpful video!!! I love the scrappy look too. I’ve been working on my first epp project and the hexie sliding around while I was basting was getting frustrating. I’ll try pinning it in the center for that step. How do you finish the edges of the quilt? Fold over the backing for a thick binding? Thanks for posting this great video with all the phases of the progress!!

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Yayyyy I am so glad it helped. I usually do not use binding on my epp quilts. I like the look better without. For the hexagons I usually leave the side with just the zig zags to be zig zag and I cut the other side straight with 1/4 inch seam allowance and cut the batting down a bit more, so it won't bulk, then just blind stitch the top and backing together . For the zig zag side I also leave a 1/4 inch seam allowance on the backing. I cut the batting down a bit so it won't bulk and then fold the backing over and blid stitch. I hope this makes sense. I can make a video on it if you want. No problem. Not the easiest thing to explain lol. Specially since English is my second language. Sorry.

[@sheilahope7007]

Love your work

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Awww thank you so much! ❤️

[@lindaburrows1333]

Love what you're working on with these. I love to do EPP esp with hexies too. I cut out my fabric using a rotary cutter around the template, it's much quicker & easy. I use a bit of glue stick to baste the fabric around my shape if I'm in a rush to get some done, but hand baste most as I enjoy that part if the sewing too 😊. X

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Oh! I would love to see what you make!! And yes. A rotary cutter would work too. I have one, but never use it unless for big bits lol might have to give it a try.

[@olgaescobarescobar1235]

Maravilloso su trabajo, no podrías dar la medida de un lado del hexágono para hacer un molde, gracias por enseñarlos este trabajo tan lindo💕

[@sidewalkpirate23]

❤️❤️❤️ gracias. I had to have my husband translate lol. My Spanish is not good enough. I apologise.

[@vesta41]

Beautiful!

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Thank you ❤️

[@joniburke8005]

You can cut 2 1/2" square and put a dab of fabric glue on the center of hexie then place a square on template and trim the shape from there. Hopefully, this will help.

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Thanks, but I dislike using fabric glue. ❤️

[@gwencallahan6061]

@@sidewalkpirate23 I take a small hole punch and put a hole in the middle of my paper. I pin like you do but the pin goes in and out of the hole through the fabric but not through the paper. I find it works great to hold in place while I thread baste and my papers last longer. The hole also make pulling the papers out easier. Thank you for the quilt as you go idea. I'm working on my first quilt and have been wondering if it could be done with EPP blocks. Would love to see a video of how you put them together.

[@sidewalkpirate23]

@@gwencallahan6061 oh. Yes! I have seen people do the jole in the middle! That would make your papers last longer for sure. I have *so many* lol. I don't know if you noticed th bag full in the drawer and the little pouch is full as well. And I have some in every little take along pouch lol. My friend gave me two shoeboxes FULL of old greeting cards and post cards. One day I went through them all lol. SO. MANY. HEXIES 😆

[@CW-cz8et]

You did all the work, why not show the stitches! Exactly!! Thank you lady❤

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Hello. Right? We work so hard on whst we do lol. Sorry for the late reply. I haven't gotten notifications from comments in a while. Finally found them all.❤️

[@theresabautista7010]

I cut my templates on my circut …then I use washable glue to glue the fabric to my templates….no basting needed.

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Yep. Loads of people do it that way. I don't have a circut cutter (too expensive) and I dislike using glue. But it works for a whole lot of people with the glue. I'm just weird lol

[@theresabautista7010]

Your not wierd!!!! Keep up the sewing!

[@СветланаК-э2к5в]

А потом эти шаблоны нужно достать, а у вас приклеено

[@lugenebastian9676]

That’s exactly what I do! Easy and quick to get papers cut

[@sandraedmond513]

Ĺlĺllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

[@bella-bee]

The aluminium templates are good, then you can take your firm paper and hold the two together and with fine paper scissors cut along the edge snug up to the metal. It’s accurate! But don’t park away the metal!

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Oh. I haven't seen aluminum ones before. That is interesting. Thanks for the tip.❤️

[@janicevisger497]

Aluminum templates??? Do you make them? Or buy them? Where? How?

[@sidewalkpirate23]

@@janicevisger497 I have been searching since I read that. I haven't found any. Only acrylic ones. But they are made to cut around as well.

[@diannenaworensky6698]

EPP Basics is the Lady's channel

[@shannonhrisook9848]

U can use meat wrapping paper iron it on and it sticks great

[@kerryfulford9366]

Hello. Have you tried gluing instead of thread basting? I guess is is less expensive 😊

[@sidewalkpirate23]

I have tried gluing, and I personally do not care for it. But I have seen a lot of people swear by it. Definitely something one should try to find out if one likes it. Yes, the glue can get quite expensive, compared to the thread I use comes from the thrift store for pennies on the dollar.

[@joanp105]

I tried gluing and HATED it. The fabric gets glue on it and then when piecing together, the needle does not go through easily. The fabric also sticks to your paper template. Hand basting is so easy because the stitches are big and not precise. Easy to get basting out too.

[@sidewalkpirate23]

@@joanp105 yes! I hate getting my needle all sticky. If you put the glue further in on the paper, so it doesn't hit the edges, the needle won't get glue on it. But if the weather gets too warm, or you store the hexies close to a heater, the glue comes unstuck. If I didn't have a source for inexpensive basting thread, I might feel different about it. However, since the basting doesn't really hold the quilt together, so it can be cheaper thread. And I feel like basting doesn't take that much longer than gluing.

[@koalamaster101]

Loved the comment "I did all this work. Why shouldn't it show?"!!!!

[@sidewalkpirate23]

❤️🥰

[@CJUSTIN78130]

Je fais comme vous , j'aime faire le jardin à l'anglaise à la main, c'est relaxant et plus simple selon moi que la machine à coudre. J'utilise la machine pour les autres patchworks. Je peux comme vous emmener mes hexagones partout 🙂

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Je peux à peine coudre une ligne droite sur une machine lol. Je suis toujours en admiration devant les gens qui font de grandes courtepointes à motifs. mes points ne correspondent jamais lol Sorry. My French is not very good. I hope I got that right lol.

[@carleneeagleman8506]

Card Stock....that type of paper is good to use.

[@sidewalkpirate23]

@@carleneeagleman8506 lol. Thanks. Yeah card stock. I like to use up the stuff they send me free in the mail, or, if I should ever run out, ealmart sell great big pages of it for just over 50 cents.

[@susanamedee1157]

Why don't you just cut out the flannel Hexies instead of paper, so you won't have to remove it. Would save some steps? Thanks so much for your tutorial. It was very simple and doable. I love hexie'. 😃

[@sidewalkpirate23]

@@susanamedee1157 it is easier to get them all the same shape and size with the paper templates. Which in turn makes it easer to sew them together. Thanks for watching ❤️

[@NDQuilter1]

T&ank you. I am just learning. 😊

[@sidewalkpirate23]

@@NDQuilter1 yayyyyy for learning! And thanks for watching. ❤️

[@carolvenables3970]

Thank you 👏

[@sidewalkpirate23]

@@carolvenables3970 you are very welcome. Thanks for watching my video.❤️

[@jeankeith7309]

I’ve never seen this! What do you do with the cardboard? Do you leave it in?

[@sidewalkpirate23]

No the paper comes out when your peoject is the size you want to have it. You take out the paper, make a quilt sandwich and then you quilt it all together. Although there were a few vintage ones where some of the paper was accidentally left in lol. It happens...

[@earthmagic1]

Lol, who hasn't got seven projects on the go at the same time? You sound like a very disciplined quilter 🎉

[@sidewalkpirate23]

@@earthmagic1 lol I assure you I am not. 😂😭 Thanks for watching ❤️

[@damarisrempel9147]

I am nosey....what is at the end of your clipper??😂🤣 I am a hand stitcher...I can't go a day without stitching.

[@sidewalkpirate23]

@@damarisrempel9147 i made a small felted ball as a scissor fobb. The center is non recyclable plastic trash. I even made a tutorial on instagram. Hang on, I get the link. Yeah. I stitch every day too. ❤️high five! instagram.com/p/B_QSOjNp_HZ/?igsh=NG1kcnhxZ3YxcHRl

[@damarisrempel9147]

@@sidewalkpirate23 Thanks so much I've done needlefelting too!!!❤️❤️ Can't help but create all the time!!!

[@ildaavelar4472]

Parabéns 🎊 🎊 adorei o vídeo 📹 está muito bonita 👏👏👏🌹🌻🌹🌻🌹🕯🕊🔥🕊🕯🍁☕☕🙏📖😘⭐⭐⭐⭐👸💞💝🌺🎑💐🌾🌇🤍💚💗💖😍🌸

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Thank you! ❤️

[@Mickey-jn8hz]

You are amazing!

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Oh. You are making me blush lol 😊

[@ginaashby6782]

Hi there luv ur channel I buy pre cuts from Spotlight QLD Australia $9 for 100 much firmer and can re use

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Oh that sound perfect!

[@augustinaanna7005]

I like the way you teach Thank you sharing I am from Malaysia

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Hello! Thank you so much! Oh what an amazing place to live! Malaysia is absolutely GORGEOUS.

[@suzisaintjames]

Be careful about leaving beeswax in the car. Car temperatures can get hot enough to melt the wax and it can leak out all over your bag. 💖🌞🌵😷

[@sidewalkpirate23]

I never leave it in the car.

[@karensaville913]

How do get the template out of the work...I haven't seen anyone explain this...yr finish I didn't under stand

[@sidewalkpirate23]

You simply pull it out. I think I showed it. Not sure if in this video, or the next one. You could use a crochet hook, if it is in there really tight, but they should come out super easy. I did make 2 more videos of how I finish my quilts . One short one one with just explanation and one where I demonstrate it. Hope that helps ❤️

[@karensaville913]

@@sidewalkpirate23 thankyou...did find next vd explaining further silly me..🤣🇦🇺

[@sidewalkpirate23]

@@karensaville913 no worries. This happens to me all the time. I totally understand. ❤️

[@nancymacdonald8968]

Card stock works the best for me

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Yes same here. It's a nice weight , still bends well and has emough oompf not to just slip out of the finished shape.

[@marystevenson1559]

I noticed you only do about 8 stitches to an inch. Is that enough? Everyone goes on and on about16-20 stitches per inch, and that seems like too much to me.

[@sidewalkpirate23]

I have heard people talk about the 16-20 stitches per inch, but I have yet to see someone actually do that by hand. Out of curiosity I counted the number of stirches my sewing machine makes to the inch on the smallest setting. It makes 16 stitches to the inch. I highly doubt this can actually be done by hand over any length of time with accuracy, or catching all the layers all the time. Larger stitches are perfectly fine. I rather have even stitches, than impossibly small ones. There is actually a whole movement now of large stitch quilting going on. Give it a search. Maybe if you push the needle all the way through the fabric and then in a separate motion bring it back up less than 1/16th of an inch from where it went down you can make these tiny stitches, but to me that is no fun. I have also looked closely at antique quilts (most people spouting those numbers always refer to antique quilts with tiny stitches like that), and I have never seen it on those either. You can do 4 stitches to the inch if you like and it would be enough. The reason those stitches are done is to keep the layers together and make the quilt more dense and warm. They have nothing to do with holding all the pieces in place. Your seams do that. So I would recommend to just practice getting your stitches even, and not to worry about getting them to be tiny. Hope that helps. ❤️

[@poodlegirl55]

What do you mean by a circuit cutter? Do you mean a Cricut machine?

[@sidewalkpirate23]

I just know them as circut cutters... sorry. They cut paper, vinyl and fabric. Some cut only one material, but the more expensive ones cut everything. Some are manual and some are.plug in. Circut.com is one website for it. I think sizzix has one as well. I have their embossing machine, which I found at the thrift store one time.

[@poodlegirl55]

@@sidewalkpirate23 Lol that is a Cricut. Pronounced cricket.

[@sidewalkpirate23]

@@poodlegirl55 haaaaa. Leave it to me to confuse everybody 😆 thanks for clearing that up. ❤️😘

[@poodlegirl55]

@@sidewalkpirate23 Well luckily I already have a Cricut and now I'm not buying another toy lol.

[@sidewalkpirate23]

@@poodlegirl55 Niiiiice! They do come in handy for a lot of things.

[@lindadavis8082]

I find the plastic template too slippery!

[@sidewalkpirate23]

That is good to know. I have never tried them. But I can inagne they could be.

[@carolvenables3970]

That's what I call quilting ,not with posh fabrics xx

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Lol. ❤️ yep. My quilts have a lot of different things in them. Lots of memories from other projects and clothes.... and cast off from other quilters that would usually end in the garbage... nope. I take them. One day I want to make a postage stamp quilt with the really small stuff.

[@dayzemae9015]

Life is really short, buy an electric Accuquilt….you are worth it.

[@sidewalkpirate23]

I saw inw of those at the thrift store a few months back. But then left it there because I wasn't sure it was still working and that thrift store has given us trouble returning things in the oast they say they take back... brand new I can't afford that machine. Lol

[@theresabautista7010]

It’s called a circut….pronounced like the little cricket bug…..for the longest time I’m like what is she talking about

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Lol. Yes. Someone else already pointed that out to me. Ha. It's always fun to try and figure out what word I butchered now hahahahahha the joys of English as a second language

[@marydavis3935]

This doesn't make sense

[@sidewalkpirate23]

@@marydavis3935 if you tell me a bit more in detail what doesn't make sense to you, maybe I can help?

[@poodledoodlequilter6479]

Hello, I'm quilter too! I don't even own a sewing machine. I don't paper piece, I use a template and cut them out and add seam allowance. I subscribed to your channel too, it popped up on my feed. Anyway take care and stay safe!

[@sidewalkpirate23]

Oh. Yeah templates are fun too. I own 3 sewing machines. One I bought (a baby lock) one I got from a friend (a brother) and one vintage one that same friend gave me. She was the first and only owner. An old kenmore. But none of them work right hahahahhahaa.

[@poodledoodlequilter6479]

@@sidewalkpirate23 My Grandmother taught me to quilt, she was German and couldn't speak English and I couldn't speak German. My parents were divorced and I had to go see my Dad every other week and he would leave me with her so he could go see his girlfriend or whatever. I hated it because she would make me sew, in reality it was only a few minutes but it seemed like hours. She died when I was 13 and I didn't have to sew anymore! Then I married a man who served in the USMC and he went on deployment and I worried about him, and I had to find something to busy myself. I started quilting and it calmed me down, you know peace work. My Grandmother gave me a gift and I didn't realize it. I wanted to go dig her up and apologize to her! 😊

[@sidewalkpirate23]

@@poodledoodlequilter6479 ooh. I am German and I just became a grandmother. I taught my kids to sew lol. All three of them. I do speak English, but sometimes the words escape me hahahahah. But my family is fluent at understanding what I mean when I say "the tree sticks" (branches) or water smoke (steam) lol Where in Germany was your Grandmother from? I am originally from Bavaria, but live in the US now for 25 years.

[@poodledoodlequilter6479]

Well, I'm not real sure but I believe around Berlin. My husband is Cuban but his Father was in the Air Force and he was born in Fulda Germany when they were stationed there.

[@poodledoodlequilter6479]

@@sidewalkpirate23 It is a small world isn't it? I have two grandsons 14 and 10. Being a Grammie is great!

[@bella-bee]

I like that, with this size of patch, or smaller, you really only need to tack the fabric at each corner over the papers, so you can so easily pop them out, and the seam allowances then are stitched down. Makes pressing so easy. Pay attention to getting 2 parallel edges on the straight of the grain, and the finished quilt will lay flatter for you. When I’m starting to sew patches together I start off in the seam allowance so the knot isn’t in the seam itself. You can sew them on a zig zag machine, with a very narrow zig zag, from the right side. Just butt them up together. Try that with invisible soft thread. I use a seam allowance of 1/4 -3/8”, less in emergencies, but more than that I trim off, or it gets lumpy.