Hexagons, English Paper piecing Tips

This is the back of the fabric with four different positions for these hexagons. I have another two to stitch.

Sometimes either because the print is very pale or just because the printing doesn't show well on the back, then you can use a light box or just tape your fabric to a window to see where to stick the papers in place. 

I cut our roughly round the papers. For plain or tone on tones I just cut squares, 1½ inches for a half inch hexagon.  I will trim them down later. The little clips hold each set together.

I cut them back after I have stitched them together but before I remove the papers.

 Half trimmed.

Fully trimmed. I find this easier than trying to cut to an exact size and it gives you more to play with when stitching the papers in place. I am not saying this is the right or wrong way to do it, just what suits me.

This was the very first one I sewed  and I loved it, however so did one little dog....

 I found it in his mouth. All but two of the papers had gone.......

I might be able to use it with some judicious use of starch...... I had been thinking he was getting better on the chewing front...... after all he's over 18 months old now.

I have decided to go against the tradition of using a pale tan background used in early hexagon quilts and to go with an olive green, also from Petra Prinns. 

There's a Facebook group for people making these hexagon quilts. People are making their hexagons in different sizes right down to ¼ inch! You can find the group by clicking on the name Libby Morgan Mosaic Quilt Sew Along. Or search the hashtag #libbymorganmosaicquilt on Instagram.

English Paper piecing and hexagons.

All of these above are from Dutch Heritage fabrics by Petra Prinns and Nel Kooiman. Each one has half inch sides and is one inch from point to furthest point.

I will try and put the following ones with their 'friends' from the same fabric.

I start by using a smear of glue from a glue stick to hold the paper in place on the back of the fabric. I try to line up the design with hopefully at least two points on the print. And for some reason, Blogger isn't letting me show you how today.....

I'll try in in another post.......  I don't even want to begin telling you the problems I have had getting these off my new phone....... Technology is wonderful when it works..... I thought Blogger was a google product so I am surprised how difficult it has been. I also tried from my iPad, heaven help me....... grrrrrrr lols