Thanks humbird! and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the quilt in your avatar. I have drooled over it many times!

Yes, hand quilting thread is thicker because it is stronger to allow for all the repetitive pulling through as we stitch otherwise it would wear thin and break. A thread shade darker is usually the norm. Stitches will show through to right side slightly but these are usually covered up fairly well when stitching in ditch to actually quilt the top.

I will check out the Sunshine link. Thanks. I also need to look over the ladder stitch to see if I have used this one before.


Have any of you tried machine stitching hexagons? I read one "very complicated" article on someone that was successful with this technique. It looked very clean but I wasn't sure I had the patience or skill for this technique.

same here, could you show us a large picture of it.

Thank you both. I enjoyed making it. The colors are washed out in the photo. Much brighter in real life!

I use 100% cotton too and thread from the spool and cut, the spool end is the knot end (this really does stop tangling). Good idea to use handquilting thread on the yoyos, but I wouldn't sew my hex's with it.

Humbird that quilt is stunning!

I use paper templates, hold the hexagons right sides together and whip stitch, the stitching does not show to the right side. I use whatever thread I have available in the various colors. I would suggest using hand quilting thread otherwise the thread does get weak as it goes in and out several times, but not necessary to purchase it special, just beware and switch the thread more often.

This hexagon quilt is so BEAUTIFUL! A real inspiration for me to practice that whipping stitch.