How to Sew Kaleidoscope Hexagons
Do you know the “stack-n-whack” kaleidoscope technique (I learned it from a book by Bethany Reynolds ); I used it often in my first years of quilting. Even now, when I see a beautiful print, I imagine how it would look like in a kaleidoscope quilt.
This technique is about stacking multiple layers of fabric with identical print (fabric repeats) and cutting shapes to create a block with a unique kaleidoscope design.
Over the years I learned that it is easier to stack/align the layers if you cut strips with identical design (instead of large, rectangular pieces of fabric).
To achieve perfect blocks, do not prewash your fabric – to avoid distortion. Even the pressing could distort the fabric and should be done with care (press along the straight grain of the fabric).
I don’t have perfect blocks because I washed my fabric with no mercy (initially it wasn’t intended for kaleidoscope).
Here is my 6 strip set.
I cut equilateral triangles from this set; you have to stack the layers and cut once through all; I used a 60 degree ruler by Debby Kratovil. The block will be a hexagon.
If you use 8 layers, you will cut triangles with a 45 degree ruler (Debby has it too); the block will be an octagon.
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| Besides the usual rectangular or square rulers, these are the rulers I use most. |
Here are a few of my triangle sets cut from my stack of strips.There is not any waste of fabric.
If you want to join the blocks this way (see below) – by machine- you have to stitch the block in halves, you do not stitch a complete hexagon; then you stitch vertical rows and then you will join the rows.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t happy with the placement of my blocks! You have to think it! And the size of the blocks counts too – I think mine were too big.
I thought it will be forever an UFO then I had an idea and I started over again:)
I think you get the idea, right ? This is a 2” hexagon paper template.
It’s very easy to sew this block. I press the block only when it is finished (no pressing after every seam!); I pressed the seam allowances open only for the last seam.
How do you know you placed the hexagon template exactly on the center ? The corners of the template must touch the seams (see the red arrows).
I definitely love to stitch these hexagons by hand more than to stitch half hexagons by machine. I love this technique for small projects. For a king size quilt, I will probably think twice!
Do you like this combination of regular piecing and English paper piecing?
These hexagons will be the front of a new large bag, like these ones. If I will have enough patience to make more.
Recommended reading!
Enjoy creating unique kaleidoscope hexagons!
I am impressed! Really and truly! I have known Bethany Reynolds' technique for years but never thought about putting the strips together as you did and flip flopping a ruler. Makes sense and those blocks are just gorgeous. When I saw the centers cut out I gasped! Ouch! But you redeemed them to become what you had envisioned. I like your style – don't rest until the quilt becomes what you want. What size are those papers?
What is the seam allowance? My half Hexigon edge is not straight, it’s bowed.
Thank you Geta! What an awesome technique.
You are amazing!! This is so gorgeous… and you are so patient and creative to "see" what your fabric can become…
Susie
I Love Stack n' Whack and your hexagons look beautiful!
On the other hand, sewing bands of half hexagons and obtaining this wonderful effect would pay for the effort of making a diagram of the whole quilt – as far as I see. But your imagination is priceless and your skills beyond compare! Looking forward to seeing the next episode!
I have Bethany Reynold's book and also bought, like you, numerous fabrics with repeats. I am so glad you made this in hexagons. Thank you for the inspiration. I really love your creativity!
This is a great method! Thanks for sharing … 🙂 Pat
Geta qué técnica tan bonita!!! quedan preciosos los hexágonos con estas telas. Un besote
An ingenious method, but very meticulous, so hexagons are meticulous to do, but kaleidoscope and hexy, WOW!
so much easier than another method Ive used!
Thankyou for the heads up and love the fabric your using to such great effect lol
What a neat technique. Thank you for sharing! I'm filing this away with all my other hexie ideas yet to be tried. But I'm curious; if you started out with a hexie that was too big and then went to a 2" hexie, what was the size of the original attempt?
Fabulous, just love what you have done here Geta.
This is a fabulous idea, and I love that it doesn't waste any fabric. Lots of serendipitous surprises!
Geta, thank you so much for sharing your techniques! You are very talented and generous to share so much.