Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Floral Hexagon Quilt ~ English Paper Piecing

Work in Progress.
Floral Hexagon Quilt - English Paper Piecing | © Red Pepper Quilts 2017

For some weeks I had been itching to start another slow sewing project, but as I already have a several slow making projects that remain unfinished (like my Wagon Wheel Quilt - which is so so close to being a complete quilt top - as well as a long term crochet project which could do with my attention), my mind was in turmoil. However on the spur of the moment one evening I started covering my 2 inches hexagon papers with the prettiest fabrics from my stash. Seize the day, right?

Floral Hexagon Quilt - English Paper Piecing | © Red Pepper Quilts 2017
Floral Hexagon Quilt - English Paper Piecing | © Red Pepper Quilts 2017
Floral Hexagon Quilt - English Paper Piecing | © Red Pepper Quilts 2017

These hexagons are quite large (2 inch sides) and I could just as easily have machine stitched these hexagons together (see Machine Stitched Hexagons Tutorial here), however that would have defeated the purpose of this project ... a project to sit and sew at leisure, late in the evening (I am a night owl!). You could say that this has been my TV project for a few weeks.

Floral Hexagon Quilt - English Paper Piecing | © Red Pepper Quilts 2017
Floral Hexagon Quilt - English Paper Piecing | © Red Pepper Quilts 2017
Floral Hexagon Quilt - English Paper Piecing | © Red Pepper Quilts 2017

I randomly covered my hexagon papers with some of my favorite floral fabrics, adding some text fabrics into the mix as well as a variety of stash basics (dots/gingham/stripes). I also pieced some of the hexagons (with 3 hexagons crowns to make a whole hexagon), to add variety and interest. Once I was fairly sure that I had covered enough papers to make a quilt top I started to play with the layout, then pieced the hexagons together into long vertical rows,  and then joining those rows together.

Floral Hexagon Quilt - English Paper Piecing | © Red Pepper Quilts 2017

QUILT DETAILS
Floral Hexagon Quilt
Quilt top measures 50 inches x 60 inches.
English Paper Pieced ~ 300+ Hexagons (2" sides).
Notions/Tools Used:
Acrylic templates with a 3/8" seam allowance for cutting fabrics.
The Bottom Line 60wt thread by Superior Threads.
(I glue baste and then whip stitch the paper pieces together).

Floral Hexagon Quilt - English Paper Piecing | © Red Pepper Quilts 2017
Floral Hexagon Quilt - English Paper Piecing | © Red Pepper Quilts 2017

I have loved working on this quilt top and I am super pleased with it. I have made good progress, and all the photos here are of the quilt top after the paper pieces have been removed. When English Paper Piecing I prefer to glue baste and whip stitch the fabric covered paper pieces together. I am getting good results with both these techniques; I have not had any trouble removing the papers and my stitches are not visible from the front of the quilt top (the right thread and needle go a long way to making the stitches disappear into the seam/fabric - see above for details).

Floral Hexagon Quilt - English Paper Piecing | © Red Pepper Quilts 2017
Floral Hexagon Quilt - English Paper Piecing | © Red Pepper Quilts 2017

Next up: basting and quilting! I hope to have a finished quilt to show you later this week.

Thank you for stopping by,
Rita

RELEVANT LINKS:
The finished Floral Hexagon Quilt
More RPQ English Paper Piecing Projects:
The Daisy Chain Quilt
The Wagon Wheel Quilt
Liberty Star Pillow Cover
Sewing School Hexagon Quilt

Tutorial: Sewing a Hexagon Quilt by Machine

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13 comments:

  1. Such meticulous work. So beautiful. Kudos!

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  2. How wonderful! I can't see the stitches, so careful are they !!!

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  3. I love that quilt, so peaceful!

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  4. Beautiful as usual! I really love your stash! My scrap pile is looking pretty homely and I think it needs some fresh infusion!

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  5. So pretty. The 3 pieced crown hexagons are great for added interest - not that your quilts are ever lacking.

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  6. Very nice. I just started EPP last week--first time. I am making the ball on Abby Glassenberg's site. I went on a trip to Alaska and really needed some handwork. It is fun!

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  7. I am working on an EPP for over 2 years now. I haven't glued the pieces together before stitching. I think i'll have to give that a try or this may not be done until my eyesight is completely gone.

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  8. It's beautiful Rita - a lovely mix of fabrics and that added interest of pieced hexies as well. There's something special about a slow sewing project - whether it takes several weeks or several years.

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  9. Beautiful. I just completed my firsts epp project using clamshells, and it is very habit forming. I love the slow sewing, much like knitting, but this project really makes me want to start a hexie quilt! Thanks for all the details!

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  10. Beautiful quilt, as always!
    Question: how are the edges done? I didn't notice from the pictures. Did you use 1/2 hexies or what?
    Debbie
    ollieami@aol.com

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