Using a quilt as you go hexagon template is honestly one of the best ways to tackle those gorgeous six-sided shapes without losing your mind over hand-sewing for months. Let's be real, we all love the look of a classic Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt, but the traditional English Paper Piecing (EPP) method isn't for everyone. If you're short on time or just prefer the hum of your sewing machine to the slow pace of a needle and thread, this technique is probably going to be your new favorite thing.
I've spent way too many hours trying to perfectly align hexie corners by hand, only to realize I'm about three years away from finishing a single throw blanket. That's where the quilt-as-you-go (QAYG) method steps in. It's efficient, it's sturdy, and when you use a proper template, the accuracy is pretty much built right in.
Why the Template Matters So Much
You might think you can just wing it with a cardboard cutout, but a dedicated quilt as you go hexagon template—usually made of clear acrylic—makes a massive difference. These templates are designed to help you cut not just the fabric, but also the batting and sometimes even the backing, ensuring every layer is centered.
Most of these templates come with specific markings for seam allowances. This is huge because QAYG hexies often involve folding the fabric over a central piece of batting. If your cuts are even a tiny bit off, the whole hexagon starts to look wonky once you try to join them together. A good template acts like a stabilizer for your rotary cutter, giving you those crisp, sharp points that make hexies look so professional.
Getting Your Materials Ready
Before you start chopping into your favorite fat quarters, you'll want to gather a few basics. Obviously, you need your quilt as you go hexagon template, but you also need a good rotary cutter (a smaller 28mm one is great for getting around those corners) and a fabric marking pen.
For the "quilt" part of "quilt as you go," you'll need batting. I personally love using a low-loft cotton batting because it isn't too bulky. If your batting is too thick, those corners where six hexagons meet are going to become a nightmare for your sewing machine needle to pierce.
Don't forget the glue! A simple fabric glue stick is a total lifesaver here. It helps hold the batting in place on the fabric before you start folding and stitching. It beats pinning every single side, which usually just leads to pricked fingers and shifted fabric anyway.
The Basic Step-by-Step Process
Once you've got your quilt as you go hexagon template in hand, the process is pretty repetitive—in a therapeutic way. First, you'll use the template to cut your outer fabric. Usually, the template is larger than the final hexie size to account for the fabric that folds over the edges.
Next, you'll cut your batting. Many template sets come with two sizes: a large one for the fabric and a smaller one for the "filling." You center the batting on the wrong side of the fabric. This is where that glue stick comes in handy—just a little dab in the middle keeps it from sliding around.
Now, you fold the edges of the fabric over the batting. You can press these with an iron to get a really sharp edge. Some people like to do a quick "stay stitch" around the edge, or even a decorative quilt stitch across the middle of the hexagon right now. Since you're quilting as you go, this is your chance to add some flair to each individual piece before they're even joined.
Joining the Hexagons Without the Stress
This is the part where people usually get nervous, but it's actually pretty straightforward. Once you have a pile of finished, individual hexagons, you need to connect them. Since the edges are already finished (because you folded the fabric over), you don't have to worry about raw edges fraying.
The most common way to join them is with a zigzag stitch or a decorative "ladder" stitch on your machine. You simply butt two hexies up against each other, side by side, and sew across the seam. The stitch catches both sides and holds them tight.
If you want a more "invisible" look, you can use a very narrow zigzag with matching thread. But honestly, using a contrasting thread and a cool decorative stitch can make the seams look like a deliberate design choice. It gives the quilt a bit of a modern, stained-glass vibe that I think looks fantastic.
Fussy Cutting for Extra Personality
If you really want to level up your project, use your quilt as you go hexagon template for fussy cutting. Because most of these templates are clear acrylic, you can see exactly what part of the fabric pattern will end up in the center of your hexie.
I love doing this with floral prints or even quirky novelty fabrics. You can center a single bird, a flower, or a geometric shape right in the middle of the hexagon. It takes a bit more fabric because you're skipping around the yardage to find the right spots, but the result is so much more "custom" looking. It turns a simple scrap quilt into something that looks like a work of art.
Handling the Bulk at the Corners
One thing no one tells you until you're halfway through is that the "points" can get a little thick. When you have three or more hexagons meeting at a single point, your machine might complain a bit.
A few tips I've picked up: * Use a "hump jumper" or a piece of folded fabric under the back of your presser foot to keep it level when you're climbing over those thick seams. * Slow down. Don't try to drag-race through the intersections. * Check your needle. If you've been sewing a lot of these, your needle might be dull. Switch to a fresh 90/14 needle to help punch through those layers of fabric and batting.
What Can You Make Besides a Full Quilt?
Don't feel like you have to commit to a king-sized bedspread right away. A quilt as you go hexagon template is perfect for smaller "weekend" projects. I've seen people make some incredible table runners where they just join a long string of hexies.
Potholders are another great option. Since the hexies are already quilted, you just need to join a few together, add a backing layer for heat protection, and you're done. They also make great patches for denim jackets or the front of a tote bag. The hexagon shape is so iconic that even just three or four of them clustered together looks like a finished design.
Keeping Your Scraps Organized
If you're using scraps (which you totally should), things can get messy fast. I usually keep a little basket next to my cutting mat specifically for my quilt as you go hexagon template and the fabric I've already prepped.
It's really satisfying to spend an evening just cutting. Then, the next day, you can spend it just gluing and pressing. By breaking it down into stages, it doesn't feel like a chore. Plus, it's the kind of project you can pick up for fifteen minutes, sew two hexies together, and put back down without losing your place.
Final Thoughts on the Process
At the end of the day, quilting is supposed to be fun, not a test of your patience. Using a quilt as you go hexagon template takes away the frustration of hand-sewing and replaces it with the instant gratification of machine sewing. You get all the geometric beauty of the hexagon without the "when will this ever end?" feeling that usually comes with EPP.
Whether you're making a massive heirloom or just a cute set of coasters, these templates really do change the game. They keep your shapes consistent, your edges clean, and your stress levels low. So, grab some of those fabric scraps you've been hoarding, find a template that fits the size you want, and just start cutting. You might find that once you start making these little quilted gems, it's pretty hard to stop.