I taught beginners' patchwork for 20 years, and we always started with hexies. This is what we did: I cut the templates out for the class, using catalog paper and a metal template (Sears works great!) we basted the fabric over the papers and then sewers the pieces together using a whip stitch and cotton thread. Put two hexies right side together and whip stitch them together. Don't just pick up one or two threads, that way the stitches will show. Go with your needle through both hexies, picking up at least two or three threads, and pull tight. Work from left to right, that way you can check your stitches. Try to be consistent about how deep you go with your needle, and you don't have to make tiny stitches, 1 millimeter between the stitches is fine. Leave the papers in until everything is sewn together, iron your work with the papers still in!! If you want, I could send you a couple of hexies to show you what I just tried to explain. By the way - I am German/Austrian.