Saturday, April 17, 2010

Hexagon Thoughts :: Week Three :: Hexagon Basting Basics

I've received a few questions here on the blog and have seen some over at flickr regarding basting hexagons. In response, I thought I'd just show you how I do it. This is really basic stuff, but if you are new to hexagons, you may find it helpful.


I had a little fun with iMovie, so I apologize if it's super cheesy. After uploading the file to Vimeo, I realized that I sped up the part where I told you how much faster it is (for me, at least) if you chain baste the hexagons and don't clip between hexes. Just be careful not to get them tangled in the process. Enjoy!

28 comments:

Jennifer said...

That's great! I baste them the same way but what a great idea to chain baste them together!

Jennifer :)

Debbie said...

you just saved me hours. I have been cutting and reknotting my thread. Thanks. Also I had been trimming my hexagons out of those 2 1/2 inch squares....
great video

Cheri C. said...

Thanks! I am new to hexagons and so, this is great from me to see. I'm also a visual person. So, I love watching someone do this!! Thanks!!

andie said...

How did you know I was thinking of attempting some hexies today? I printed out the template sheet this morning, went out for crepes, came back and you have posted an instructional movie just for me. You read my mind. Thank you Thank you!!

Unknown said...

Hi Melanie, I only found your blog this week, and are almost finished my single bed size hexagon quilt. I have been bitten by the hexagon bug and wished I a had thought to baste the hexagons the way you do it would have saved so much time.

clair said...

Thank you for the demo! So, the paper just stays in the hexagon? What happens when you wash the fabric? Just wondering.

venus said...

Ooooh... GREAT video!!! You iMovie skills is awesome! I have the same question as Clair... what do you do with the paper? Is there a possible part 2?

Solidia said...

Thanks for the terrific video Melanie. Love the chain piecing idea! :o)

Val Miller said...

how fun!! Thanks so much!! I am totally going to make me some hexs!!

andie said...

I have 5 hexies done!! Will there be a part 2 that demonstrates joining them together?? Hint, hint. My 13 year old daughter spent some time printing and cutting out the templates for me and then doing the same for the 2.5 inch fabric squares. Now I am sewing them up! She made enough for 40 different ones and really enjoyed it.

Melanie said...

Thanks, everyone. I enjoyed playing with iMove way too much. ;-)

@ Clair & venus - I don't know if you'll come back here looking for an answer, but you will leave the paper in the hexagon until you have attached it (sewn) on all six sides to it's adjoining hexagons. Once it's attached on all six sides, you can remove the basting stitches and the paper will come right out. I'd be glad to do a part 2 & 3, etc. Keep watching!

23rdspiral said...

excellent. i hadnt thought to chain baste and had been tying knots too, so this will save lots of time. although i'm only basting on the back, not through the papers as i kinda thought i might get away with leaving the basting stitches in after it's pieced! ~23rdspiral~

Stephanie said...

Wow, thanks so much for doing this! I am so visual it really helps to see it! I think you should do another video showing how you sew them together! (wink!!)

Crystal Stanworth said...

cute movie! thanks!

venus said...

Thanks for the tip, Melanie!!! Can't wait for parts 2&3. ;)

Anna said...

Awesome! Thank you!

Unknown said...

Love the video!! Thank you so much!!! I do it the same way if I'm not using freezer paper. And your voice is so cute!! Just like I imagined it!

Anonymous said...

I think your movie making talent is so cute! Love the music! Make MORE...

machen und tun said...

great video, thanks!! i am looking forward to (for??) the sequels - "hexagons - they are back" and "the return of the hexagaons" :-)
no, seriously, great help, much appreciated!
claudia

Cheryl Arkison said...

Slowly you might be breaking me and hexagons will join the list of projects... I do have some long drives ahead of me...

Monica_C said...

GREAT video!!! Thanks! I found that so helpful! xoxoxox

josie said...

I love this! Please, please do some more. You are making me want to start a hexagon quilt so badly.

Anonymous said...

This was so very helpful, thank you for sharing!

My Life In Stitch said...

Thanks for the video. I'm new to hexies and this is just what I needed. Where did you get the bar on the side of your blog to chart your progress? Sandra

Nichole said...

fabulous video! thanks for taking the time to put this together! i am getting my supplies together tonight to start my very own hexagon quilt. this weekend my husband and i are visiting his parents so i will need something to keep me busy on the 7 hour each way drive!

Anonymous said...

Wow. You just blew my mind.
Chain basting? Brilliant.

razberiswrl said...

I've never made hexagons before ... are you putting your stitches through the paper as well as the fabric? Thanks for the great video. It was really helpful to me!

Anonymous said...

I'm officially casting a vote for a part two and three! Please let us know when and where this gets posted if you do it. I'd love to see how to sew them together and remove the paper, and just finish it overall. I am in the process of making my first quilt for my wedding-- just a basic patchwork--but I am making little quilted signs for the backs of our Mr and Mrs chairs, and these will be hexagons. <3 <3 <3