Let’s play with some English paper piecing (EPP) flowers!!
This four-patch mini quilt is an easy project and a modern version of the vintage hexie flower. I have a detailed tutorial on my Blog for English paper piecing in case you have never made one, so this project is perfectly suitable for beginners!!
This July I received a beautiful fabric box from Cotton Cuts as part of their Ambassador program which I’ve been a part of for the third year now. This box is called Modern Maker Box but they have many different options to choose from, check their website for more details www.cottoncuts.com
This month’s new collection is from Windham Fabrics, called ‘Anew’ by Tamara Kate.
The combination of blue and yellow has been one of my favorites since a long time ago, it’s probably my favorite combination as my wedding colors were blue and yellow!!!
When I received the box I thought about a project that could translate my view of a sweet mix of blue and yellow, and I guess I got it just right with this Modern Hexie mini quilt.
In case you’re new to English paper piecing…
I have a post on this Blog (click below) with all the details to get you started with English paper piecing using the most common shape, the hexagon. In this tutorial, I teach you how to thread-baste the hexagons and sew them!
English Paper Piecing for beginners
Materials needed for the Modern Hexie mini quilt:
*Color 1:
(2) 7″ x 7″ squares
(12) 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ squares
*Color 2:
(1) 7″ x 7″ square
(6) 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ squares
*Color 3:
(1) 7″ x 7″ square
(6) 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ squares
*(24) 1″ hexagon paper templates (cut out according to the method on my EPP for beginners Blog post).
*60wt thread (I use Mettler thread Silk-finish Cotton 60)
*(1) No.9 needle (I use Clover Gold Eye)
*needle minder is optional
Prepare to baste the hexagons
In order to baste our hexies, it’s better if there’s less fabric volume on the back of the hexagon, so for this reason, clip the four corners of all 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ squares using (1) 1″ hexagon template to guide the trim.
Baste all 24 hexagons
Using the method of your preference or following the tutorial for beginners on this blog, baste all hexagons to get started sewing them into a flower.
Sew the flowers
The Modern Hexie flower doesn’t have a center, so sewing the hexagons together on this flower is even easier than the traditional flower.
Simply sew the petals aside, one by one with no two sides being sewn at the same time, and leave the center part void.
Remove all papers and press each flower. Make sure all threads (if thread-basted) are trimmed on the back.
Prepare the background squares
Before pinning the flowers to the background fabric squares, press each one to crease a vertical and horizontal center line. This will help us later on when we align the flowers on the square so all flowers are centralized properly.
Align each (1) flower on each (1) background fabric square using contrasting colors, so the flower pops out on each block. To align the flower, use the horizontal crease (be attentive to place the fabric in the right direction if you’re using directional prints), and align the inner corner of the flower with the horizontal line as the purple arrows show in the picture below. Observe the vertical line, and align the top and bottom petals to 1/2in on each side.
The applique
In this project, I used the machine applique method, which I find to be the easiest to do. Of course, you can use your favorite method, but independently of which one you choose, I suggest always matching the thread color to the color of the piece being stitched.
To machine applique, the flowers on each fabric square, pin the flower in place after aligning it, and start sewing using 1/8in seam allowance on any of the outer edges of the flower. Don’t backstitch when you start sewing, instead sew all along the flower and when you get to the end, continue stitching on top of the starting point to secure the seam. Stop and trim all threads.
Repeat the same sewing method to the center of the flower.
In the photo below, you see the entire area of the flower edges sewn to the background fabric square.
Repeat this process with all flowers and background squares.
Sew the four-patch
Once all blocks are sewn and pressed, it’s time to sew the four-patch to complete the mini quilt top.
Organize the layout so the two 7″ x 7″ color 1 fabrics are opposite diagonally.
Sew (2) sets of 2 squares and press each one in opposite directions, then sew the two sets together for the four-patch, press the seam flat to one of the sides.
Baste, quilt, and bind
Using your favorite methods of basting, quilting, and binding, finish the mini quilt.
Most times I use the spray basting method, and I like quilting hexie flowers by stitching around their shape.
I also love a striped binding and it wouldn’t be different with this mini!!
I hope you enjoyed this tutorial!!!
Thank you for reading this tutorial!! I hope you get to take some time to create your own Modern Hexie mini quilt, and if you do please tag me on Instagram if you happen to share it there. My Instagram handle is ‘daisitoegel’, I hope to have you following along and checking all the new projects I’ve been working on.
Daisi Toegel
I love making hexies and these minis are adorable!! I love blues and yellows too! Gonna put them on my “hafta make” list.