When hexagon-shaped patches are arranged in concentric rings around a center, the resulting design is known as a Grandmother’s Flower Garden. This classic arrangement is traditionally done by hand using a technique known as English paper piecing. But modern times have brought along new options and we have been exploring them over the past few weeks.
Instead of basting hexies to paper (which needs to be removed), they could be basted to fusible interfacing (which stays inside) the Apliquick way.
Instead of tracing and cutting dozens of hexies out of fusible interfacing, they could be purchased precut!
And instead of whip-stitching the patches together by hand, they could be sewn together by machine using a small zigzag stitch.
Sewing Hexagon Pairs by Machine
Now let’s see what happens when we arrange the hexies differently, using a variety of scrappy fabrics.
Line up two prepared hexagons side by side, right sides up. Sew together using a small zig-zag stitch. You may wish to secure the ends with a couple back stitches.
Continue adding hexies to form a row of desired length. Multiple rows can be made at a time, chain stitching each set.
Join rows together, pivoting at each corner.
One-inch hexies fit perfectly on 2 1/2-inch strips, such as in strip sets known as “jelly rolls” or “Bali pops”. My scrappy hexies came from a beautiful collection of batik fabric strips – and they don’t look anything like a traditional Grandmother’s Flower Garden!
Ela Mika says
This is the first time I wish I had enough fabric in my scrap bin to make a hexi quilt like this. Love the scrappy hexi quilt. Thank you Kathy!