handsewing hexies
#11
I use the whip stitch, and manage to do a fair job, but have read several posts that people use the ladder stitch. I can see where that would be much less visible. Will try it on my next project. I have seen a tute on the ladder stitch with EPP. Perhaps if you Google ladder stitch/hexagons, something will come up. I think your hexie top is looking great!
#12
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Michigan. . .FINALLY!!!!
Posts: 6,726
I average 18 sts to the inch whip stitching most hexagons together, and yes, you can 'just' see the stitches, but it's quite usual to use thread that blends in and that means the stitching isn't so noticeable. Even on silk using silk thread the stitching does show a little (usually 25st to the inch on that). Your hands find a rhythm and the pieces come together quite quickly.
Thing is though; you show your stitches when you quilt, why should neat and tidy and even hand stitches not be seen on hexagons, or other paper pieced patches, too ?
Mary
Thing is though; you show your stitches when you quilt, why should neat and tidy and even hand stitches not be seen on hexagons, or other paper pieced patches, too ?
Mary
i really think the secret is to take smaller bites and use more stitches.
Last edited by auntpiggylpn; 09-19-2014 at 01:00 PM.
#14
Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Lanarkshire,
Posts: 47
I would never use whip stitch to put up a hem....herringbone all the way or if it's in silk then a rolled hem is more usual.
I only use the hidden ladderwork stitch if I'm sewing etuis or maybe closing a seam on something stuffed.
Hexagons are whip stitched together to keep the stitching tight and the seams, even if they've been cut on the diagonal, all the same length. They don't move or stretch. Ladderwork eases slightly since in effect its really just a running stitch worked sideways.
If it works for you; fine by the time whip stitch is properly seated the fabrics are almost impossible to seperate though.
Like Auntiepiggylpn the actual stitch through is straight, with the tiny little diagonal lying on the underside across the seam.
Until very recently I had never made patchwork any other way than over papers.
I'm finding machine patchwork a right royal pain in the backside to do accurately, and a major frustration to get anywhere near as neat it's an awful lot quicker though
Another advantage with papers is that even if I've put my sewing away in a box, I can pick it up months later and it still just flows together, piece after piece after piece, and they all lie flat and even.
Mary
I only use the hidden ladderwork stitch if I'm sewing etuis or maybe closing a seam on something stuffed.
Hexagons are whip stitched together to keep the stitching tight and the seams, even if they've been cut on the diagonal, all the same length. They don't move or stretch. Ladderwork eases slightly since in effect its really just a running stitch worked sideways.
If it works for you; fine by the time whip stitch is properly seated the fabrics are almost impossible to seperate though.
Like Auntiepiggylpn the actual stitch through is straight, with the tiny little diagonal lying on the underside across the seam.
Until very recently I had never made patchwork any other way than over papers.
I'm finding machine patchwork a right royal pain in the backside to do accurately, and a major frustration to get anywhere near as neat it's an awful lot quicker though
Another advantage with papers is that even if I've put my sewing away in a box, I can pick it up months later and it still just flows together, piece after piece after piece, and they all lie flat and even.
Mary
Last edited by Macra; 09-19-2014 at 01:46 PM.
#15
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Slidell, Louisiana
Posts: 6,951
Mine show and I still love it! I'm using the thin posters from walmart, drawing, then cutting by hand, same for fabric. The thread I'm using was given to me from a neighbor who worked in a suit making factory, it is all on bobbins, is very fine, and strong. Using the 1 inch Marti Michell template, but with seam allowance too, so sides are just a tad over 1 and 1/4, doing whip stitch, approx 30-32 stitches per side. I am SEW ADDICTED to them, I can't get anything else done! LOL!
#18
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 15,950
It doesn't bother me to see my stitches if have to look close to see them. I'm more focused on the design and colors then if the stitches are invisible or not. I don't try looking close enough to check for stitches on someone's hexies.
#19
I had never really paid attention to how much the stitches show on the front. I have used both the ladder stitch and the whip stitch. I have more luck with the whip stitch. I just went to look at some of my blocks. It doesn't show much. For me the whip stitch shows less. I use a thin card stock. As you can see my stitches are not perfect but they work for me. I stitch for the enjoyment of making something with my hands.
Everyone has a different preference to how things should look.
As with doing quilting stitches. I like bigger stitches,others prefer tiny stitches.
Everyone has a different preference to how things should look.
As with doing quilting stitches. I like bigger stitches,others prefer tiny stitches.
#20
Sorry for the duplicate pictures.Not sure what happened. Tried to delete but no luck.
As for the thread I use when doing hexes. I like a quilting thread but I have so many spools with a little thread left that I have been trying to use it all up.
As for the thread I use when doing hexes. I like a quilting thread but I have so many spools with a little thread left that I have been trying to use it all up.
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