I’m doing an extra post today. I’ve had numerous people ask about thread basting so here is a step by step photo array of what I do. Linking to Kathleen’s Tips and Tutorials
The hexies I am currently working will finish at 7/8” cut a seam allowance (fold over) that is comfortable for you to work with – mine is close to 3/8” inch I think – you can go with more or less – whatever you are comfortable with. As you can see my papers are well used – I use over and over again until the edges start to rip.
Put your paper in the center – if you wish to put a pin through to hold it place feel free – I used to do that now and then but after you get used to holding it you won’t need to . Fold over your first seam I use a binding clip to hold it in place
Fold over your next corner – use whatever kind of thread and needle you wish and take a stitch or two to hold it place –
Continue around the hexie taking a stitch or two at each corner – I do not go through the paper but some people do.
Take off the binding clip whenever you feel like your paper won’t slip – I usually do about half way around – do your final corner and knot off – cut your thread
And you are done – one hexie – done several thousand to go LOL – well however big your quilt will be that is – it might be easiest to start with something small.
Some people press their hexie flat – others don’t – I think it is an unnecessary step. I join my hexies with a whip stitch. If you need help with that let me know!
Thank you!
Excellent tutorial!
I’ve been piercing the paper and using a running stitch, but then you have to unpick the basting to get the paper out (and often tear the paper). This ‘leave in’ style basting would eliminate that unpicking step. I am eager to try it!
Thanks for the photo tutorial.
Watching you work on Noriko’s Star has inspired me to get an old hexie project back out, my Flower Garden by Edyta Sitar. Great tutorial on thread basting!
That’s just how I’ve been doing it when working with hexies. I like this way so much better than glue basting!
When those little clips first came out I thought they were just another useless gimmick. I was wrong! I finally bought some last year and I use them ALL THE TIME.
Many thanks for linking up this fabulous tutorial. Hand basting is a fabulous skill…I may be bringing some EPP on a trip with me so it this wound up being very timely for me!