Sewing with hexagons can be so fun– I almost find it immediately rewarding…and I love that kind of sewing!
You sew up a little shape, sew it to the next shape and after a bit, you have a whole bunch!
Because you are using paper for your template, they tend to wear out. There might be even a few with stiching holes! {do you ever do that?}
Today, I thought that we could go over an option for using a template more than 2 times.
I have already gone over different kinds of template materials you can use. Today we will just do the tutorial on making them.
Materials Needed:
See through plastic {I used the avery plastic dividers for 3 ring binders
Your hexagon templates printed- or any other applique template you are using
Sharpie permanent market- fine point
How to make your own plastic hexagon template
1) Print off you template
2) Place the material you are using on the printed paper. {this method works best if you are using a transperent material}
3) With a fine point sharpie and ruler, trace the template onto the plastic.
4) Cut out the template– use scissors or a rotary cutter. Depending on what you are using your template for you will need to add 1/4″ seam allowances before you cut.
5) Store, use and store again!
These will last longer then the paper or card stock version.
You can make any of your frequently used applique templates using this method too.
*Hint– if using this tutorial for hexagons, you might want to punch a small whole in the center with a hole punch. That way you can remove them easier without misshaping what you sewed!
Do you have a favorite method for making templates? Or What color would you make yours out of?
Becky Jorgensen is the creative quilter behind Patchwork Posse, the Patchwork Planner and her online quilt group Patchworkers Plus. You can find her patterns in books, magazines, and her quilt membership. Gather your quilting supplies, organize your sewing space, explore the process of disappearing quilt blocks, or finish a free quilt pattern. I'll help you use what you have, finish what you start and make your quilting journey fun!
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Would like to see a picture of the finished product and how it is used!!!!!
Thanks for the idea . I have been using cardboard for mine till now !LOL .. Again, thank you for sharing it with us in cyberland
You will have a stencil with what’s left. What a great idea. Thanks.
I have been using plastic hexies for quite a few years and have them in several sizes. I use the thin plastic chopping mats you get in the discount shops. I cut one out and then use it as a master so when I trace them they are all the same size. I find the chopping board hexies last a long time. My !/2 inch hexies template I cut out (using one layer) on my Acuquilt machine . It takes a while to cut them out but they last so long its worth.
I put a plastic template sheet in my ink jet printer and copy the hexagons onto it. Once the ink dries it becomes permanent.
Becky, i bought some plastic hexagon templates a few years ago and am just now deciding to use them. The measurement from point to point is 1 inch, from side to side 1 3/4 inch. What is the hexagon size? May be a dumb question but I’m new to this. Thank you!