To whipstitch (point de surjet in French), hold 2 hexagons together, right sides facing. Knot your thread and insert the needle under the fold so that it comes out on the corner. Sew straight across the edges. If you have difficulty pushing the needle through, or if you are catching the edge of the paper, your fabric is basted too tightly over the papers.
You can add a hexagon, and then run your needle back under the fabric to sew another side - see the steps of photos below. Stitches are 1/16th" apart (2mm).
On the front the stitches appear straight across, and on the back they appear slanted - on these 5/8" hexagons there are 10 stitches, including the one on the end. More stitches is not necessarily better - too many stitches can create a ridge and weaken the fabric.
Like your clear explanation.
ReplyDeletethank you
Another wonderful step-by-step ;-) Thanks Brigitte...
ReplyDeleteHoep I had more time for quilting right now... but I keep paintig all day long instead ;-)
Bonjour David! English paper piecing is a lot like painting a wall ....you can enjoy the process and think of something else...
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love your quilts. I am trying to order your book but am even having trouble on your website. Hope you can help or that it will be available in the USA soon!!
ReplyDeleteHi Heather, you can order the book directly from: www.quiltmania.com
ReplyDeleteThe shipping will be lower than ordering from me, except if you live in Australia and want a signed copy.
I haven't enabled shipping outside Australia and New Zealand for the book because of our high shipping rates.
There isn't a bulk distributor for the US as yet...
Happy quilting!
Hi Brigitte, thanks to your message (thank you!) I was able to find your blog, I will add you to my list! I love this blog-world, nice to keep in touch! We have so many enthusiastic reactions about your book. Best wishes!
ReplyDeleteWhat type of thread do you use? I've been using a size 11 straw needle and my stitches are 1/16th apart. I wonder if I should use a larger needle and different thread?
ReplyDeleteHello Caryn! I sometimes use a number 10, but they do bend with my heavy use-so 11 would bend even more for me! I use YLI SELECT thread in either ecru or spring green for everything (whipstitching and appliqué ) the only exception would be appliqué of black or solid red, where I'd match my thread colour. It's the one thread that doesn't seem to end up split or knotted. The other thread I like is Mettler silk effects 100% cotton - but you need to work with shorter lengths. For basting I use old cottons - silko in any colour.
DeleteBending is one of the problems I've been having. I love how skinny it is, but all the sudden it will pop and while not broken, it's useless. Thanks for the tip. I think my thread is fine, but I'm going to try going down in needle sizes. My current work has been 20-22 stitches per inch, so maybe that will help me space them slightly more too. Thanks!
DeleteHi Brigitte
ReplyDeleteI noted above that you use YLI Select thread - I have some, and I also love it for handwork for the same reasons. However, the one I've been using is 40/2 ply - I was worried though that it was too heavy for the whipstitching and applique. Is that the weight you use? Thank you also for all of the pattern corrections - I plan on making the Panel Hexagon quilt and the Blue Star and Hexagon quilt - just hope I can do them justice!
Hello Sheilagh,
DeleteI do use YLI Select thread for everything hand sewn, and although its a little heavy, it doesn't knot as much as some. I confess I use "spring green" coloured thread no matter what the fabric colour is..! Except for solid black and red appliqué, where I match the thread colour to the fabric.. Maybe white too, if I were to use it. B