I am new to them too - I just purchased a hex quilt kit from Tula Pink collection - I am going about it the old fashioned way - english paper piecing- my first time - never thought I would hand piece - but it's a nice to-go project. I believe you have to mark the quarter inch around the perimeter of the hexagon - then start sewing 1/4" before the edge and stop 1/4" before the end. As for how to go about it - I would just trial and error it - just see how it goes. I am curious as to the reponses you get because I need to know also.