Hexies Gone Modern: Not Just Gramma's Garden

We've had one Hexie Hen Party at Threadbenders and it felt a little bit like a bag of potato chips. Nobody did just one.  They were having way too much fun for that.

But for those of you who are on the fence about joining us, but don't want to do gramma's flower garden, there are some amazing modern hexies out there.




Here's some ways to make an old pattern new.

From All People Quilt

Make it large. It's a big impact, you get done faster, and there's lots of yummy room for quilting, if you wish. 

Found on Pinterest

Make it bold. Bright or unexpected colors always are exciting.

From Singing Stitches

Break the mold. No you don't have to make that grid all the way across the quilt. Leave white spaces for quilting and for emphasis.

From Quiltville

Do something unexpected. Who knew you could make letters out of hexies. But once you've seen it, you can do it.

Use your prints to advantage. Great prints are even better if you fussy cut and showcase them where they're best. Cut them so that the very best bits are in the center showing off.

Don't you dare tell us these quilts are old fashioned. Although my grandmother would have jumped right in and made one too.

Join us every Wednesday at 11:00 for the Hexie Hen party. You don't need to bring anything. Just come, sit, sew, and glow.

Going to the Hexie Place: A Classic One Block Wonder

Charm block issues

In this world of modern quilting, it's easy to overlook some of the classic wonders. There are a number of one block patterns in the quilt world. But they hexie block is probably most familiar to everyone.

hexie made from batiks

Grandmother's Flower Garden is the classic hexie quilt. From the thirties to the 70's it may have been the most recognizable and most popular quilt pattern out there.
While you're hyperventilating, I suggest you take a deep breath. Yes those are very little pieces. But the construction of a hexie quilt is so simple. And it brings us back to hand stitching.

Hexie blocks

Again, stop hyperventilating. Deep breath. Hexies are one of the most fun take along projects ever! They're pieced over paper, to keep the edges sharp and they are a project that goes whever you are.

hexie template

The secret is the shape. This hexie template makes it possible to even fussy cut your hexies so you have perfect six sided blocks, with repeating patterns.

back of block

The edges are folded over a paper template and basted down. When you have enough hexies, you whip stitch your blocks together.

fussy cut block

How pretty is that?

Hexagon Quilt

What can you make out of hexies? Much more than flower gardens. Check out this star quilt.

Patricia Cummings Hexagon Quilt

Or this wonderful mosaic. Don't be afraid of hand stitching or the hexie place. It's a great place for a quilter to play