Sew from the beginning to the end of the marking on the longest side. Backstitch (2 stitches). Trim seam allowance ¼ in (0.6 cm) from stitch line.
4 Piecework from step 3 pressed open. The sewn side is on the bias so take care not to stretch the fabric. For now, press seam allowance to the side.
5 Repeat previous steps to make 9 sets. Join three sets together per row. Then join three rows.
6 Place two rows right sides together, align markings and seam allowances, then pin in place (①~④ indicate pinning order; arrows indicate pinning direction).
7 As in step 3, sew from beginning to end of marking, starting with the right corner and ending about one stitch shy of the other corner (backstitch to adjust if stitch lengths don’t match up).
8 Shown: stitched almost to the corner. Make sure not to sew the seam allowance from the back side (it helps to hold the seam allowance out of the way with your finger).
9 Proceed to insert needle diagonally into the left front of the corner marking on fabric B. Avoid stitching other pieces. Pull thread through and continue stitching.
10 From its corner marking position on the left backside of fabric A, insert needle slightly into the seam allowance and through to the right back side of fabric A at the same spot (see illustration above).
11 Insert needle into the corner marking of right back side of fabric A (photo shows right back side of fabric A on the left).
12 Insert needle into corner marking of fabric B left front. Make sure to avoid stitching other pieces. Pull needle through and continue stitching.
13 Refer to steps 8–12 to sew the corner sections. Backstitch as shown in step 3 to finish stitching and cut thread.
14 Join another row. If the corners are aligned, skip the four-stop method, backstitch once and continue stitching.
15 Complete.
Basic Piecework Techniques
LESSON 3
Making a Hexagon Quilt Block
This basic pattern involves joining seven hexagons. Other than the first and last pieces, the pieces are joined by layering and sewing two sides without cutting the thread. To join the hexagon rows, repeat steps 2 and 3. To fill the spaces between the hexagons with triangles, refer to steps 4–7.
★ Refer to page 82 for drafting pattern pieces and marking.
★ Refer to page 10 for pin basting, backstitching and piecework sewing basics.
1 Trace the pattern piece on the wrong side of fabrics A and B. Add ⅜ in (1 cm) seam allowance and cut (seam allowance will be trimmed later).
2 Place right sides of fabic A (this will be A-1) and the center fabric piece (B) together. Align the markings, then pin diagonally on two sides as shown.
3 Sew from the beginning to the end of the marking on one side. Backstitch (2 stitches). Trim seam allowance ¼ in (0.6cm) from stitch line.
4 Press open the piece from step 3, place A-1 and A-2 right sides together and pin.
5 Sew from the right edge of A-2 in the same way as step 3. Stop sewing about one stitch shy of the left edge, then pull needle through the corner marking (where the pin was positioned).
6 Place B and A-2 right sides together (A-1 will be folded in half on the right side). Align the sides.
7 Pin from the left corner marking at an angle. Stitch along the top horizontal marking.
8 Sew up to the corner marking, then backstitch (2 stitches) and cut thread. Shown: three pieces joined.
9 A close up of corner section. Arrange the seam allowances in an overlapping windmill formation. Press the other seam allowances to one side.
10 Front. To join the remaining four A pieces, repeat steps 4–7 (place an A piece on sewn A piece with right sides together, and sew one side. Then place the new A piece on B with right sides together and sew one side).
11 Finally, sew the side of A-1 and A-6 in the way shown in step 3.
Dealing with Seam Allowances
Press the seam allowances to the side that best allows the front to appear smooth and even. Where the seam
