Sunday, April 11, 2010

Hexagon Fussy Cut Template

I was fussy cutting some fabric for hexagons and I had this very simple idea that I thought I'd share with my fellow hexagon addicts.

Using some template plastic (or other similar transparent plastic), trace a square the size you need for your hexagons. I'm making one inch hexies, so my squares are 2.5".

Place one of your paper hexagons onto the center of the square and trace around it's outside edge.

Use your paper (not fabric) scissors to cut out your plastic square and then color around the outside edges of your hexagon with a permanent marker. Be sure to let it dry before you handle it and if you use a Sharpie, hold your breath. So stinky!

Use your new template to find the perfect fussy cut for your hexagons.
(Yep, I actually own that fabric.)


When you find the perfect placement, trace around the outside of your template...

and cut it out with scissors or your rotary cutting ruler and rotary cutter. Please don't use template plastic as an edge for a rotary cutter. 

And, there you go. Perfect fussy cut hexagons!

It's helpful for finding the perfect spot on busy prints,

or aligning that polka dot directly in the center of your hexagon.

Yea! Happy fussy cut hexies!

ETA -  I got that template plastic at JoAnn. It's less than $2 a sheet and is in the quilting notions area. I've also seen it at Hobby Lobby. I like the heavier weight more than the super thin stuff.

27 comments:

Halfway Crafter said...

Great tip! Can't say I have the patience for such small hexagons, OR fussy cutting, OR handsewing, but I admire those that do!!!

Denise :) said...

Neat trick. Thanks for sharing that! :)

Unknown said...

Great idea!! Thank you for sharing! Okay, how did you get your comments numbered??

RWL said...

this is a great tip - thanks!

Lynne (Lily's Quilts) said...

LOVE it - will use it!

Anonymous said...

Hello there, I found your blog the other day and I really like your hexagons !!! I used to live in Austin Tx and belonged to the Austin Area Quilt Guild, one of my favorite things to do with our little one was to go to http://www.pioneerfarms.org/ Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer farms where we would wath ladies around the quilt frame hand quilting and all the other great old timey things they do. Have you ever been there ? Your template idea works great. Thank you
Izzy

Nichole said...

your fessing up to owning the manly fabric cracked me up. nice little tutorial :)

Robyn - Coffee and Cotton said...

Great idea! Heh, nice to know I am not the only one with some "pin-up" fabric

Lisa said...

What a clever idea! Thanks for posting this!

Unknown said...

Seriously awesome idea!!! I will have to go hunting for some of that plastic....or you could send me one in our next envelope....just saying.

Melanie said...

Hey there, everyone! I got that template plastic at JoAnn. It's less than $2 a sheet and is in the quilting notions area. I've also seen it at Hobby Lobby. I like the heavier weight more than the super thin stuff - it's easier to work with. Happy sewing!

Donna said...

Fantastic tip - thanks!

- Donna

23rdspiral said...

in the UK you can buy metal or plastic templates for this, a 'holed' outer bit and a solid hexi for making your papers (though i'm now cheating and using your pre-drawn sheets!). i got a set a few years ago for £4.00, so your idea is cheaper too! 23rdspiral

angelina said...

hi, nice idea! i love the alex henry owls, i made my son pjs with them. =)

Meg said...

What a great idea. I love the idea of using the sharpie on the plastic templates....brilliant idea! I had the templates from Joann's in my hand the other day and I put them back; I guess I have to make another trip over there :)

Salihan said...

Great tutorial! I've been drooling over all the quilts that's been popping up like wildflowers through the blogosphere and I'm inspired to learn to quilt, specifically hand piecing. I normally knit and crochet but I must create a mini charm quilt soon! - me@salihan.com

josie said...

great tip. I keep thinking I'll make a hexagon quilt maybe this will give me a nudge in the right direction.

pinsandneedles said...

I used your technique to fussy cut for another quilt project I just started. What a great tip! Thanks!!

Tina @ Squirrel Acorns said...

Great idea! I'm going to make one of these this weekend. I even think I have some template plastic laying around in my craft room somewhere.

Elena said...

I noticed in these pics that you have 2 templates...one with the hex point at the top and another with the flat part of the hex at the top. Which one is "correct"? Won't that make a little difference when fussy cutting?

Anonymous said...

Neat trick!

Shann said...

Okay.....I am so loving this tutorial...but once I have cut out the square how do you cut out the hexi from the template....

Shannon Margaret

Creative Mama said...

Thanks for this handy tip!

Judi said...

ok.... I am fascinated by your hexagons!!!! if I choose to use the 1 1/2 inch hexagon.... what size fabric square do I need??
can you email me at jmmindock@rcn.com

thanks!!

Karen said...

Love this idea! Looks like I found a way to repurpose all that plastic packaging I refuse to throw in the recycle bin!

auntie sash said...

This is a great idea! I've just started making hexes and can tell this is going to turn into an obsession. So easy and fun! I think I will make several of these fussy cut templates and spray glue them to the roto-cut rulers I use for my squares.

Susan said...

Clever idea!