How to baste hexagons (glue or thread)

Wrap fabric neatly round a paper template with crisp corners.

Step by step

1. Place the paper on the wrong side of the fabric and cut round leaving at least 6 mm allowance (1.5 inch fabric hexagons for 1 inch papers).
2. Glue: run a thin line of glue along one edge, kept back from the very edge of the paper.
3. Fold the allowance over and press with a finger.
4. Work round all six sides, keeping each corner firm and crisp.
5. Or thread baste: fold an edge and stitch through fabric and paper with 6 mm stitches, folding each corner as you reach it.
6. Press with a warm dry iron to set.

Bobbin's tip
Less glue is more: a thin line holds just as well and won't gum up your needle.

Sources

All checked November 1, 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.

1. Hexadoodle: How to glue baste hexagons
2. Create Whimsy: Thread basting vs glue basting for EPP
3. All People Quilt: How to English paper piece
4. Molly and Mama: How to sew hexies