Mary, you are doing your flowers the same way I do mine, except I do take one stitch on each side. It seems to stablize the fabric, and I have had a few papers come out before I have the hex stitched on all sides. I just clip the little stitch on the front side, and the paper comes out nicely, and can be reused. Basting stitches stay. I would love to see pictures of your flowers. Some people do paths, and some do not. I personally prefer a path because it seems the flower gets lost without. I have put a 4th white row on my flowers, then use a green to put them together. I would post a pix, but I'm computer challanged. One day, I hope I can pin one of my DDs down long enough to teach this old dog some new tricks! Happy Hexing!