The ‘Jigsaw Sampler’ which is our 2010 Series quilt that began in the January issue of Patchwork & Quilting magazine includes a Rosette of Hexagons as one of its blocks. During the 1960s and 70s the hexagon, pieced English style over papers was the most common type of patchwork sewn in the UK. Since the late 1970s we have realised there are hundreds (thousands?) more patchwork designs using a variety of techniques.

However hexagons can still be a satisfying design shape and used in many ways. Following are just a few.

Drawing a template
1. The easiest way to draw a template is on Isometric Paper. The grid on this paper is made up lines at 60º, making the shape easy to draw, dia. 1a. 
2. If Isometric paper is not available, a hexagon template can be drawn using a pair of compasses.
a. Determine the size of  hexagon required, measured from point to point. If planning to machine quilt, include ¼" seam allowance in this measurement. This measurement to be the diameter of the circle first drawn.
b. Set the compass points to half this measurement, i.e. the radius of the circle required and draw the circle.
c. Making sure not to change the compass, insert the compass point at the bottom of the circle and make two marks where the pencil crosses the circle. Move the compass to one of these marks and repeat.
d. Continue until 6 marks have been made.
3. Join the marks to construct the hexagon, dia. 1b.

Sewing hexagons
Hand sewing
1. Traditionally this is done ‘over papers’ and this technique is described in the Hexagon block in Part 2 of the ‘Jigsaw Sampler’ quilt in the February issue. Using this technique the hexagons were often put together as Rosettes, dia. 2a.
2. This is a very convenient technique for piecing ‘on the go’.
 
Machine sewing
1. This is probably easier to do in rows rather than rosettes, dia. 2b and opens up new thoughts on hexagon design e.g. horizontal or diagonal rows of colour, or any designs usually linked with squares such as ‘Trip Around the World’ etc.
2. The fabric hexagons need to be cut very accurately and to include the ¼" seam allowance.

Designs
Complete hexagons
1. The 3 or 4 row rosette is a very common design, often known as Grandmother’s Flower Garden. The outer row is often in green to represent foliage or cream or brown to represent a path with the inner rosettes being of varied colours to represent flowers, dia. 3a.
2.This design is often used for a memory quilt with the rosettes made from old clothes.
3. The rosette can be elongated as in dia. 3b.
4. See Web Extra: Blossom Lane for Basket designs made from hexagons.

Half hexagons
1. The hexagon can be subdivided into two halves.
2. With clever colour placement of dark medium and light fabrics, these can be stitched to make the classic design, Inner City, dia. 4.

60º diamonds
1. The hexagon can be divided into three 60º diamonds.
2. Again with clever colour placement of dark, medium and light fabrics the hexagon can represent a Baby Block, dia. 5a.
3. A different colour placement can result in a series of stars, dia. 5b.

As can be seen from dias. 6a and b, the designs can become very complex.
Start doodling on Isometric paper and see what you can up with!