Cutting the Hexagons

Using a rotary cutter and mat can speed up the cutting process, and is an option open to you. Personally, however, I hate to waste fabric, so prefer to use a template. The choice is up to you. Click below if you would like to have a sample template (2" along sides). This is a good size to start practicing with.

Right-click here to download your hexagon template

Trace the hexagon onto a piece of paper. Add a 1/4" seam allowance along each one of the six sides of the hexagon. Trace this new hexagon onto a piece of plastic (such as the lid of a discarded can). I recommend plastic over cardboard because in this case you will be tracing the hexagon onto fabric many times.

Using the template, trace it onto the back side of the fabric as many times as needed, according to the number of hexagons you plan to sew. Make sure to cut the same number of hexagons for the back and front of your quilt. The best way to save fabric is to trace the template in a beehive pattern:

Using this same system, cut an equal number of batting hexagons: one for each "block."