Modern hexagon baby quilt tutorial
Hi friends!
This tutorial has come about in a very roundabout way. Nearly three years ago I cut out a bunch of half-hexis for a baby quilt that ended up as an abandoned project. These blue and gray half-hexis sat...sat...and sat in a bin because I'm a scrap hoarder.
A couple years later I found myself yet again in need of a baby quilt for an expecting friend...and it needed to be fast. Like, naptime fast. Naptime for a teething one year old fast.
Folks, that is a fast quilt. And a short nap. :)
So I decided just to sew them all up with no thought or plan, trim it square, and it was a huge hit! When Cait and I combined powers we wrote up a full pattern based on this baby quilt for a throw size named Astera - it's available as a freebie for newsletter subscribers and contains all the tables, graphics, tips, and coloring pages you'd expect in our paid patterns. If you love making this one, definately check it out.
But let's get started! This tutorial is written assuming the reader has basic knowledge of piecing and finishing quilts, but you are welcome to reach out to us with questions.
Modern Hexagon Baby Quilt Tutorial
30" x 37"
Fabric requirements and supplies: Fabric is assumed to be 42" wide (WOF)
- Print: 4 fat quarters (18" x 21")
- Border: 1/2 yards
- Binding at 2 1/2" width: 1/2 yard
- Backing: 1 yard
- Batting: needs 34" x 41" - look for craft, baby or crib size
We use and love the Hex N More ruler from Jaybird Quilts for this project, but we made a template you can download and print here: Astera Template A
Cutting Instructions and Assembly: All seams are 1/4"
Step 1: Cut each fat quarter into 4 1/2" x 18" strips. Using the template, or the Jaybird Hex-n-More ruler, sub-cut each strip into two half-hexis - alternate the direction of the template/ruler for the second half-hexi.
Don't forget to cut the little blunt tip! It's very useful when piecing the half-hexis together.
Step 2: Cut 4 strips 3" x WOF from your border yardage. Set aside.
Step 3: Cut 4 strips 2 1/2" x WOF from your binding yardage. Set aside.
Step 4: Lay our your half-hexis and determine the fabric placement you want, pairing up half-hexis of the same color to make a solid hexagon. Separate pairs as needed to fill in the top and bottom rows.
Step 4: To piece the half-hexis into rows, place two half-hexis RST, aligning the edges and blunt tips. Fabric should not overhang anywhere. Sew together with 1/4” seam, open, and press. Press each row in alternating directions.
Step 5: Assemble the rows into your final quilt top, pinning at the nested seams. Once the entire top is pieced, trim the right and left edges flush.
Step 6: Attach borders:
Get your border strips and cut off selvedges. Sew each strip end to end with a 1/4” seam to make one long strip of fabric, pressing seams in any direction.
Measure the length of your quilt along both sides - average the measurement if it is significantly different. Cut two pieces from your long border strip at this measurement and mark the center. Pin the left, right, and center first, then pin well along the entire edge.
Sew the border on with a 1/4” seam and press towards the border. Repeat the process above with the widths of the top and bottom your quilt.
Step 7: Cut your backing, if desired, so you have an extra 2-4” on each side. Layer and baste your backing, batting, and pieced top. Quilt as desired.
Step 8: Attach binding:
Binding is a matter of preference—below are instructions for our recommended beginner-friendly method.
If you are intimidated by binding, we have a Binding 101 photo tutorial series that walks through each step. Start here - Quilt Binding 101.
- Cut the number of 2 1/2” binding strips specified and cut off selvedges. Sew end to end with a 1/4” seam, pressing seams open. Fold lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press well.
- Leaving a 5-6 inch tail at the beginning, sew the raw edge of the binding strip to the raw edge of the quilt with a 1/4” seam. Stop a quarter inch from the corner and backstitch. Cut thread and release the quilt.
- Fold the binding up, making a 45 degree fold in the corner. Keeping this fold in place, fold the binding back down again. Starting with a backstitch, continue attaching binding as before with a 1/4” seam. Repeat at each corner.
- Backstitch 5-6 inches from the starting point. Lay the tails on top of one another and trim with 1/2” overlap. Open the binding tails, sew ends together with a 1/4” seam, finger press the seam open, and re-fold. Lay the binding flat to the quilt and finish stitching down. Fold the binding over the raw quilt edge and stitch down as desired.
And there you have it! An easy peasy baby quilt with all your favorite fabrics showcased front and center.
Remember, if you love this quilt sign up for the newsletter to have the throw size Astera delivered right to your inbox - we aim for only 2-3 emails a month (we hate spam too!) and you can unsubscribe at any time:
Happy sewing!
Rebecca
