Karenowc

I use freezer paper for my hexes. 2000 of them! It's a big quilt and taking several years.
I iron the paper to the back of the fabric, cut leaving 1/4" and then I baste the edges down and leave them until the quilt is finished. I don't like floppy stuff and this keeps it looking great and holding together until I get the top finished.

nativetexan

I had some sent to me by a European quilter. they were so tiny I almost couldn't see them. overcast I think. nothing showed on the front.

Traditional Quilter

I would suggest taking a smaller bite of fabric when doing either ladder or whip stitches (a couple threads on each piece) and make two stitches at both ends of hexies -- beginning and ending. I use thread matching the darkest color, but you will have to do this on trial and error to see what works best for you. As far as basting my papers I baste through the paper because I can't seem to get the fabric tight enough around the paper if I don't. I use Paper Pieces papers and am able to use them multiple times. Baste the method that works best for you. I also find that if my fabric isn't tight around the paper I take larger bites of the fabric when I'm stitching.

Luv Quilts and Cats

I like your stitches and I agree with the others that when you use a matching thread it is so much less noticeable. I have the pattern for GFM (took a while to figure out what this stands for, brain cramping today I guess). And it uses a overcast stitch, but I also like the running stitch. I have bought plastic templates that come in a pack of 100 I think, and reproduction 20s and 30s fabrics to do mine. I got the plastic templates so I can baste and iron the pieces. Hmmm.....need to get it out and start working on it. I already have two hand projects going and several other UFOs, what's one more! LOL! Keep going and don't be afraid. We learn by doing and the board is always here to help!

LLWinston44

You guys are great. Im so glas Im doing this practice piece. Ill try some of the suggestions and Ill go ahead and try some black thread just to try it.

lorli

What is ladder stitch?

I couldn't see your ladder stitches at all, even in the close-up.

LLWinston44

Lol. Well thats a great thing for me to hear!! Heres a video that shows it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CjOXMuTFXo

Lisa_wanna_b_quilter

If the paper piecing is not working out for you, look at Inkling. http://inklingo.com/

It was the answer for me. My GFG is going so much better now.

jemma

try taking one stitch in the point to pull it into the V all the rest looks good i use a grey thread it seems to blen with most colours--you do know it is addictive YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!!!hee hee