as a matter of fact ... YES ... you understand correctly on all counts. :P :mrgreen:
that's my tutorial. the only time i don't print my hexagons onto the back of the fabric is when the fabric is too dark for it to show up. it adds time and effort to the process, but knowing exactly where to start and stop sewing makes it soooooo much easier to put everything together precisely i think it's worth the extra steps and fussy cutting. a purely personal choice, of course.
i recommend using repositionable sticker project paper instead of freezer paper - if you can find it and afford it. (one of my printers is quite happy with grocery store freezer paper. the other tends to snack on it once in a while.) i've also read a lot of positive comments about the special grade freezer paper sheets made by cj jenkins.
you should test print a sample on some scrap fabric. the ink in my HP printer washes out completely. the ink in my canon pixmapro doesn't.
by the way ... i designed and printed all the fabrics used in the tutorial myself. i pretreated with bubble jet set. the print on the front is permanent. because i print the backs later, that washes out.