Kris P

I love EPP. I've been hand stitching nearly every evening for 4 years, and teaching a class at my LQS twice a month for the last 1 1/2 years. I would suggest Quilting on the Go by Jessica Alexandrakis for a great starter. I also love using Brandy's mylar templates rather than paper. http://www.brandysquiltpatterns.com

When I started, I wanted to make a quilt, but gave myself permission to stop after making a throw pillow if I really didn't like it. The rest if history. Now I've made 3 bed sized quilts and many, many other smaller projects for class.

redstilettos

I'm still not certain how to get the backing on without ruining the crisp lines of the hexi's on the edges? ugh!

CynDiane

Two of the first quilts I ever made, more than 20 years ago, were hand-pieced hexagons. Both on the small side but I loved doing them. I've got several more either cut out waiting or in the planning stages. As far as I'm concerned hand piecing hexagons is just as easy as piecing squares. The only thing I could probably never do again is quilt the top 1/4" away from the seams on small (like 1 inch) hexagon tops. It made the seams more prominent, but it was only the second top I hand quilted, so I had a lot to learn.

Texas_Sue

Temecula Quilt Company's website has a lot of really good ideas for EPP. Right now at night when I'm sitting and watching TV, I'm also making 6 pointed stars using EPP diamonds. Their fussy cut and come out sort of like the stack and wack blocks. I'm using mostly civil war prints and it will be throw size when I'm finished. If you go on Pinterest you can get a lot of ideas for different EPP designs. Not just Hexies.

Geri B

there is a website, can't remember name, where the demonstrator shows how to do a backing that is different, but looks great...wish I had saved it myself. Look into book The New Hexagon.....or patchwork of the crosses, an Pinterest has lots of sites for additionalinfo

Mariposa

Perhaps try both the bigger and smaller hexies, and see if you enjoy assembling them. Then go from there. You'll know after doing just a few....

MadQuilter

If you are talking about English Paper Piecing - it is not hard. That said, I would run for the hills as I HATE to do those. I don't see the appeal or the fun in it. grandmother's flower garden is not a pattern I would gravitate towards. That said, I have seen some AMAZING creations done with hexies. Some look like intricate mosaic-tile work. Just spectacular. So kudos to those who master the art and have the patience.

carolynjo

I agree that accurate cutting is the deal! I cut my hexies and then put a dot EXACTLY where the needle should stop. Whether piecing by machine or by hand, stop at the dot. I have had no trouble with points matching.

AZ Jane

LOVE Hexies!! Easy to do, portable, you can make hundreds before you have to decide exactly the pattern you want to use!! I also use the Brandy mylar hexies but have found I can use the XL paper punch to make 1" hexies from card stock. I prefer the mylar hexies but the paper punch was much cheaper in the long run. Also you can print out 1" hexies from http://sewquickly.com/1-hexie-template-free-download/ but there are multiple sites. Lots and lots of videos on line also. As with everything, some people love them, some hate them. Give it a try!

Vat

The easiest way to make hexagons is to start with a circle. A friend of mine wrote a book a few years ago by AQS all about making them out of circles. The name of the book is: Quick and Easy Hexie Quilts by Dr. Peggy G. Rhodes and Julia C. Wood. It has step by step color pictures of this method and the history of the hexagons being made this way. I think you will love this way of making hexagons. An easy project to carry with you any where. Look it up, I think you will make you happy . And it is truly easy ! !