I use one inch hexies. (Print them and cut them myself.) I use 2 1/2 inch squares of fabric. Pin the paper to the square, and lop off the corners. Don't like extra bulk. I do stitch the corners, but run one large stitch thru the paper on each side. It seems to stabilize it a bit more for me. After the hexie is surrounded, I just clip the large stitch from the front, and slip the paper out. I do reuse them. I do not remove the basting threads. Hexies are very addicting. Have fun! CoventryUK, your top is lovely.