Half Hexagon Paper Pieces: Handy EPP Stash Additions

Quick answer

Half hexagons are the edge-fixing shape of English paper piecing: they turn a jagged hexagon border into a straight line and fill the notches at corners. Keep a small supply of 1-1/2 inch half hexagons on hand so you can finish borders without redesigning the whole project.

Why half hexagons solve a problem whole hexagons cannot

A quilt top made only of whole hexagons has a stepped edge. You can leave it stepped, appliqué it onto a background, or add half hexagons to create a clean straight border. The half hexagon does the third job with the same seam lines as your existing hexagons, so it blends into the patchwork instead of looking like an afterthought.

The same shape fills the V-shaped gaps where two hexagon edges meet at a corner. That makes it useful for bags, pouches, and small mats where a straight finished edge matters more than an elaborate border.

What 1-1/2 inch half hexagons are not for

Half hexagons are not a substitute for whole hexagons in the middle of a motif; they only work along an edge or a corner. If you are building a rosette or a star, you still need the full hexagon for the center and the surrounding ring.

Also, a half hexagon is not a half-square triangle. The angles and seam lengths differ, so do not swap one for the other when following a pattern. Use the shape the pattern names, and treat half hexagons as a border and corner tool.

How many half hexagons should you keep in your stash?

Buy enough to go around the perimeter of your largest planned project, plus a few spares. Because half hexagons are small and inexpensive compared with full-size pieces, a modest supply covers most border and corner needs without taking over your storage.

If you are unsure of the final size, count the exposed edges on your current layout and divide by two. That gives a rough number of half hexagons needed for a single straight border, and you can scale up if you add more rounds.

Half hexagon EPP FAQ

What are half hexagons used for?

They straighten a hexagon border and fill corner notches. Use them along the outer edge of a hexagon layout, not in the interior of a motif.

Do half hexagons replace whole hexagons?

No. A half hexagon covers only half the seam length of a whole hexagon, so it cannot stand in for a full piece in a rosette or star. Keep both shapes in your stash.

How do I baste a half hexagon?

Baste the two short sides and the long edge as you would a hexagon, then press. The shape holds its angle better when the long edge is basted last.

Can I use 1-1/2 inch half hexagons with other sizes?

Only if the seam lengths match. A half hexagon must share the same side length as the hexagons it joins, so measure your existing pieces before mixing sizes. Check side length, not the overall width, when matching shapes.

How many half hexagons do I need for a border?

Count the exposed hexagon edges along the border and divide by two. Add two or three spares for corners and trimming.

Product facts

• 1-1/2" Half Hexagons: 1-1/2 inch half hexagons are sold as paper pieces and acrylic templates separately. You can buy the paper pieces alone if you already have a template, or add the acrylic template when you need to cut your own fabric shapes.