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The New Hexagon: 52 Blocks to English Paper Piece
Unlock the possibilities within hexagons and make your own unique blocks. Learn the glue-basting method of English paper piecing and use it to create exciting designs. You'll enjoy relaxing handwork as you incorporate hexagons into decorative projects.
Select from 52 patterns for 6" blocks Divide the shapes within the hexagon outline and discover new shapes Stitch projects ranging from a mug rug and candle mat to a bed-sized quilt
Select from 52 patterns for 6" blocks Divide the shapes within the hexagon outline and discover new shapes Stitch projects ranging from a mug rug and candle mat to a bed-sized quilt
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2014
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67 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
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February 12, 2017I bought this book because it was a block dictionary and the cover looked really interesting. I think I also liked the color of the cover and was in a weak mood. Still, I do love block dictionaries and this is a great one for new blocks. I have never seen a grouping of hexagon 'blocks' before and these are really unique. I am also really excited about English Paper Piecing right now and can see myself starting several projects using that technique. I am trying to restrain myself, especially since I plan on making the La Passacaglia quilt.
This book was paired with the Marti Michell Perfect Patchwork Templates set G. I thought they would be great for cutting fabric. The sizes of the rotary templates don't match the sizes in the book so that is a problem. However, as creative people I know that most of us can adjust to the size of the templates since they make cutting fabric much easier.
After the table of contents, the author presents us with her view of paper piecing. The method I use (thread basting) is considered "truly laborious" (pg.4), though in fairness to the author, I do buy paper templates rather than cutting them out myself. Marek advocates glue basting fabric to cardboard instead of threadbasting.
I do agree that English Paper Piecing is portable, as you have seen with my half hexie project.
The Tools and Equipment section (pg.6-7) is compact but information filled. I was thrilled to see that Ms. Marek goes to the level of telling her readers what weight of paper (pg.6) she uses to print her papers. In addition to the tools, Marek also describes her "on-the-go box" and what it contains. I am a huge fan of Go Bags as having a bag ready to take on trip means I don't have to rummage for supplies and possibly forget something. It also means I might actually get something done on a weekend where I might otherwise get no quiltmaking done.
The fabric in this book looks like Kate Spain's Terrain, another appealing aspect to the color scheme of this book. It is well suited to the examples as there is opportunity for fussy cutting from some of the motifs.
English Paper Piecing Techniques (pg.8-11) follows the chapter on tools. This section has all you need to know about paper piecing. Keep in mind that this is the author's method and variations you use are not wrong. While I haven't tried the glue basting method, the complete directions given encourage me to give it a try. I normally only wash my quilts as needed so I worry about the lasting effects of the glue on the fabric. She talks about removing the papers but not about reusing them or washing the glue out of the fabric.
There is the ubiquitous section on "Quiltmaking Basics" (pg.12-15), iver a page of which is concerned with binding the quilt. There is no talk of quilting the quilt beyond following the manufacturer's instructions. Of course whole books have been written on the subject so I am not surprised.
One of the most interesting chapters is called "Working with Patterns" (pg. 16-18). This shows why the reader should prepare the templates in the way the author recommends. "The following is the s0-called 'fine print' -- the little details that are often glossed over. You may never choose to changed the size of the blocks in this book, and you may never need to calculate the height of a hexagon. But when you become inspired to start designing your own quilts using the blocks I have provided, these little tidbits are here to help you. The size of the blocks in this book is determined by measuring the length of one side (in this case 3 inches) (pg.16). Even I, who glosses over directions with wild abandon and to my shame can see the wisdom in Marek's words. this section also gives tips on fussy cutting and provides ideas on layouts. Study these pages carefully and you will benefit greatly. I did and found a variation of Jack's Chain which has my head spinning with thoughts on that layout.
Over 71 pages 52 hexagon blocks are presented (pg.19-52). The author has named all of them with women's names. Carol is the most basic divided hexagon being made up of 6 triangles. Most of the other blocks have smaller hexagons and diamonds, some half hexies (Lorraine is similar to my EPP project), triangles, parallelograms, and kite shapes all rearranged into hexagon shapes in very clever ways.
Finally, the book has a few projects. Because of the nature of EPP, I think this is a book that will inspire quiltmakers to design their own quilts. All of the projects, especially those made in Terrain are very appealing. My favorite might be the Rain Chain Nursery Quilt. Sadly, the Jack's Chain variation is made from unappealing beiges.
There is also a list of resources and a gallery. This book has a lot of scope for inspiration
This book was paired with the Marti Michell Perfect Patchwork Templates set G. I thought they would be great for cutting fabric. The sizes of the rotary templates don't match the sizes in the book so that is a problem. However, as creative people I know that most of us can adjust to the size of the templates since they make cutting fabric much easier.
After the table of contents, the author presents us with her view of paper piecing. The method I use (thread basting) is considered "truly laborious" (pg.4), though in fairness to the author, I do buy paper templates rather than cutting them out myself. Marek advocates glue basting fabric to cardboard instead of threadbasting.
I do agree that English Paper Piecing is portable, as you have seen with my half hexie project.
The Tools and Equipment section (pg.6-7) is compact but information filled. I was thrilled to see that Ms. Marek goes to the level of telling her readers what weight of paper (pg.6) she uses to print her papers. In addition to the tools, Marek also describes her "on-the-go box" and what it contains. I am a huge fan of Go Bags as having a bag ready to take on trip means I don't have to rummage for supplies and possibly forget something. It also means I might actually get something done on a weekend where I might otherwise get no quiltmaking done.
The fabric in this book looks like Kate Spain's Terrain, another appealing aspect to the color scheme of this book. It is well suited to the examples as there is opportunity for fussy cutting from some of the motifs.
English Paper Piecing Techniques (pg.8-11) follows the chapter on tools. This section has all you need to know about paper piecing. Keep in mind that this is the author's method and variations you use are not wrong. While I haven't tried the glue basting method, the complete directions given encourage me to give it a try. I normally only wash my quilts as needed so I worry about the lasting effects of the glue on the fabric. She talks about removing the papers but not about reusing them or washing the glue out of the fabric.
There is the ubiquitous section on "Quiltmaking Basics" (pg.12-15), iver a page of which is concerned with binding the quilt. There is no talk of quilting the quilt beyond following the manufacturer's instructions. Of course whole books have been written on the subject so I am not surprised.
One of the most interesting chapters is called "Working with Patterns" (pg. 16-18). This shows why the reader should prepare the templates in the way the author recommends. "The following is the s0-called 'fine print' -- the little details that are often glossed over. You may never choose to changed the size of the blocks in this book, and you may never need to calculate the height of a hexagon. But when you become inspired to start designing your own quilts using the blocks I have provided, these little tidbits are here to help you. The size of the blocks in this book is determined by measuring the length of one side (in this case 3 inches) (pg.16). Even I, who glosses over directions with wild abandon and to my shame can see the wisdom in Marek's words. this section also gives tips on fussy cutting and provides ideas on layouts. Study these pages carefully and you will benefit greatly. I did and found a variation of Jack's Chain which has my head spinning with thoughts on that layout.
Over 71 pages 52 hexagon blocks are presented (pg.19-52). The author has named all of them with women's names. Carol is the most basic divided hexagon being made up of 6 triangles. Most of the other blocks have smaller hexagons and diamonds, some half hexies (Lorraine is similar to my EPP project), triangles, parallelograms, and kite shapes all rearranged into hexagon shapes in very clever ways.
Finally, the book has a few projects. Because of the nature of EPP, I think this is a book that will inspire quiltmakers to design their own quilts. All of the projects, especially those made in Terrain are very appealing. My favorite might be the Rain Chain Nursery Quilt. Sadly, the Jack's Chain variation is made from unappealing beiges.
There is also a list of resources and a gallery. This book has a lot of scope for inspiration
June 20, 2016
WONDERFUL book...................great templates, it will keep you interesting and busy all the while making some beautiful EPP Hexies!
February 20, 2019
I absolutely love this book and I have added it to my purchase list for my own quilting room. There is some basic instruction in the beginning but I found the discussion on finishing the projects most helpful. The best part for me was the 52 different hexagon blocks are all the same finished size, so there are a ridiculous number of combinations! I also liked that the book shows some setting options too. Excellent!
For: EEP fans looking for hexagons with a twist.
Red flags: Some readers may not enjoy this as it’s more about blocks than overall projects.
For: EEP fans looking for hexagons with a twist.
Red flags: Some readers may not enjoy this as it’s more about blocks than overall projects.
January 2, 2018
Awsome ideas
Awsome ideas. great projects cant wait to get creating on my next project, pressent or baby quilt and you can change toe size of the hexis by using the options on your primter too
Awsome ideas. great projects cant wait to get creating on my next project, pressent or baby quilt and you can change toe size of the hexis by using the options on your primter too
January 25, 2018
This book, along with the website, offers an adventure in design possibilities. A kaleidoscope quilt awaits tjose who dare! Thank you, Katja, for introducing me to paper piecing in such an exciting and versatile way.
January 25, 2018
I am looking for a portable quilting project but can't get interested in a hand project that I could do better by machine by sewing Y seams. Katja has taken an interesting perspective to EPP. By using geometry she has designed 52 hexagon shapes a couple of which I would use.
July 13, 2020
Incredibly Informative
This is a wonderful book for those that have fallen in love with hexies and paper piecing. It is detailed enough to give clear instruction without becoming dull in the details. I highly recommend.
This is a wonderful book for those that have fallen in love with hexies and paper piecing. It is detailed enough to give clear instruction without becoming dull in the details. I highly recommend.
June 17, 2018
Beautiful! I love hexis and this book has wonderful ideas to inspire new projects.
September 14, 2018
Awesome
Looking forward to using up bandanna prints for my daughter. This is exactly what I was looking for, color and variety.
Looking forward to using up bandanna prints for my daughter. This is exactly what I was looking for, color and variety.
May 18, 2021
Love this book and it’s younger brother. I use both of these books and highly recommend them for other EPP folks.
October 25, 2016
Great book on how to hand piece hexagons in a whole new way.
December 21, 2016
This book started me off on a totally new quilting genre!
November 15, 2018
Great instructions
Finally someone provides clear, beginner-based instructions for hexagon and other shape creations! Also helpful resources are provided for additional guidance.
Finally someone provides clear, beginner-based instructions for hexagon and other shape creations! Also helpful resources are provided for additional guidance.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews