Hexagon OCD?
 

I would love input from some of you hexie addicts.

I am trying to decide which hexagon method to use. Since I made several hexagons with Inklingo don't care much for the English paper methods.

What I like about Inklingo Method

• No papers
• No basting or gluing
• Sewing lines and cross hairs printed on fabric
• Running stitch (faster and easier than whip stitch)

What I do not like about Inklingo Method:

• Pre-washing fabric
• Ironing to freezer papers
• Cutting the tiny hexes

What I like about Die Cutting Hexagons

• Accuracy
• Cut out dozens of fabric hexes with turn of crank
• Cut out dozens of paper hexes with turn of crank
• No pre washing needed

What I do not like about Die Cutting Hexagons

• Need to mark lines or
• Baste or glue papers
• Whip stitching

Since I really like the running stitch and do not want to use papers my plan is to die-cut fabric hexes and use a template to mark sewing lines by hand by one of these methods:

1. Mark 1/4 with fabric pencil
2. Use template with holes to mark cross hairs
3. Have a stamp made to "stamp" sewing lines
4. Is there a metal or acrylic template where I can quickly trace lines?

Have I missed any optons? Thanks.

Wow, you have certainly done your homework!

That said, once you decide on your size of hexagon finished go to your local hardware store and see if they will cut you a plexiglass hexie 1/4 inch smaller than your die cut fabric one. Tell them to be exact!

OR, use some type of harder plastic such as a margarine lid or such to draw your hexie shape the size you want and than just trace. Happy hexing! :)

I am not sure if this is a method, but I have been using Mandy's templates and am happy.
http://www.brandysquiltpatterns.com/awt.html

When I clicked on this it did not work....or my iPad is really screwy....

You might check into what are called Quilt Patis. I bought one package then made my own.
No papers
No basting or gluing
Running stitch only gather seam seam allowance then tie a knot.
NO Pre-washing fabric
NO Ironing to freezer papers
Cut standard size of hex with 1/4 seam allowance
NO Need to mark any lines :)

Negative: need to baste a hex on all six sides before you can pop out the plastic hes template. :(

I bought these metal templates. One side is metal white and the other has a slip resistance sandpaper texture, I use the smaller hex to cut to make my plastic template (3/4" side) and the other is to cut the fabric (1" side). When I started my GFG, there were no die cutting appliances. I started working on this yesterday. Not sure what I am going to make.

Too much analyzing......no process is perfect, so just decide which one you can live with the best and start....I have done a few in different ways, depends on size of hexie.....I just recd hexie/paper cutting die for my GO...phew, before the pricing change!...and the next project will be that way...am now collecting postcards for the paper pattern....will be next winters project

Why the aversion to washing the fabric?

If you are going to work with something as time-consuming as hexagons, what is another few minutes?

You can search for Brandy's Templates and it should come up. (the link worked for me)
However, ManiacQuilter2's post looks like the same thing.

On those pics from maniacquilter2... That seam allowance seems much thinner than 1/4 or is it just the pic?

I may have your solution. I used to be in the same guild with this lady and she has put A Lot of work into her product and I have seen it first hand. It's Stamps by Kate and the website is ByKate.com. What you do when using her stamps, is to stamp the fabric and cut out the hexies. She has added a sewing line to the stamp. So I think this will fill all your criteria?
Also, even though she and I were in the same guild, we were not close. I'm currently not in contact with her and honestly have not even thought about her in the 3 years I've been gone from Texas. But I do think she has a great product. But being on the tightest of budget, I didn't buy from her