I've decided to take the leap and start a GFG. I need something for a take along project and just something to work on at night when I want to sit with the family but not zone out on TV. :)

I bought several packages of precut paper hexagons (sorry but cutting thousands of my own templates just didn't appeal to me). At $2.80 per 100 it just seemed like a good deal. :) My initial thought was to baste my fabric to the paper using the traditional thread and needle method. I'm starting to kick around the idea of glue basting though. I'd really like some input from those that have done either, or both, method. Thread would take longer but I could re-use my paper templates and I think they'd be easier to remove. Glue would be faster but harder to remove the template and probably couldn't re-use it. Decisions, decisions.

Second question is regarding EQ7. My use of it is still so basic and there's a million things I haven't even begun to learn. Is there a way to go in and create hexagons and place them all together so I can play with colors in my quilt? Do I go into Patchwork Draw or something like that? I looked through the manual but didn't really find anything. Not to say it isn't there, because it probably is, I just didn't see it while flipping through.

Thanks for any help or tips anyone can provide!

http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com/2009...r-piecing.html

There are some really neat suggestions in this tute! HUGS!

I think there's a pre-made layout using hexagons. Try looking in the library under layouts.

In EQ7, start a new project and in the block library, search for "Grandmother's" and select the GFG block to add to sketchbook. Close the library and click on Quilt > New Quilt > One Patch Quilt

You'll have a layout ready from there. :)

There is probably an easier way to do this - I'm no expert with EQ, for sure.

Another option is to just hand piece the hexagons, not using paper foundations. This eliminates the need to hand baste first. Jinny Beyer used this method to hand piece that hexagon quilt that made her famous. Years ago I borrowed a video of hers from the library where she demonstrated how she hand pieces -- very, very fast!

I used my own heavy weight paper hexs I cut out-I simply took white thread (single strand) and made a double whip stitch in each corner-no stitches in between-and it is fast. Fold over your 1/4" on each side of the hex (I use paper clips to hold each side to keep the paper from shifting until basted), then start about 1/2 way down the 1/4" fold and take two tiny whip stitches-then go to the next corner and repeat-creating a long stitch between corners. When you get to the last corner, simply knot the thread after your double whip stitch. I have made about 20 flowers so far this way and it is quite fast. I learned this way on this board, but can't remember which thread. I think there was a reference to a tutorial showing it.

The precut hex's are great, however, I do it the old fashiioned way, and cut them out myself. I use scrap paper that comes in junk mail ads. Surprising how good some of that paper is. I have used glue a few times when I made 1/2 inch hex's. (Too small for a pin). The paper seemed to stick to the fabric, and would leave bits of paper, making the hex a bit stiff. It was a bit difficult to get off, and the papers were not usable again. I used elmers school glue stick. I prefer thread basting. It goes rather quickly once you get going on it. The papers can be reused a # of times. I have made 2 queen size GFG. #2 yet to be quilted. Someone mentioned not using papers at all. That would be another option. I have done a few this way by marking the "corners" with a dot, and hand stitching "dot-to-dot" Time consuming marking the dots! Not my favorite.

I know nothing about EQ7. Don't have the program.

Good luck with your GFG. I hope you enjoy the process, which ever method you choose.

The thread basting actually goes faster than you expect....I do the whip stitch in the corner, but don't end up knotting. I just leave a tail. I havent' had any come apart.

I use paper pieces I cut out myself just because I didn't want to spend the $s when I calculated how many I would need in total. I can't imagine getting the same precision without the paper pieces.

I don't use any glue at this point. I'd be a bit afraid that pulling the paper off with dried glue would skew the piece.

I started a few hexagons last night using the thread basting method and just doing a couple whip stitches at each corner. First few took me a bit but I got the hang of it quickly and started moving along. I think I'll continue with the thread basting and that way I can reuse my paper templates and they'll be easy to remove. Thanks everyone for your help! Hopefully I'll have a pretty GFG to show in a few years! :)

I looked in EQ7 (I'm no expert either), but I could not for the life of me find a Grandmother FG layout. So...you can start your own new quilt. To make your blocks, you will need to click "work on block", then use the Patchdraw option. Click on the tiny arrow on the symbol on the left hand column that shows the triangle. A little menu will pop out and you can click on the hexagon from there. Place it on your block...make it whatever size you want, then click the heavy black arrow (the select tool), left click to select your hex, then right click to copy it. You can then paste a lot of them into whatever size block you will be placing on your quilt layout.

Also if you click on the topic lists on the bottom of this page...I'm pretty sure there is an EQ section...lots of help there too.

Good luck and have fun!