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.