This tutorial is for cutting 6-inch point-to-point hexagons. Another great resource for cutting without templates can be found on by from the blue chair, which also includes a fantastic table with lots of size references. As you probably know, I have recently been having fun making the 5 Minute Hexi Coasters, so I have been cutting these shapes a lot recently. (Update: here is a link to the tutorial for making the 5 Minute Hexi Coasters by Thistle Thicket Studio.)
Cutting Hexies: Step 1
For 6-inch point-to-point hexagons, you will need a 5 3/16-inch by 6-inch rectangle. As I tend to make a set of coasters using the same fabric, I start by cutting a 5 3/16-inch by width of fabric (WOF) strip.
Cutting Hexies: Step 2
So what is 5 3/16-inches? It is halfway between 5 1/8- and 5 1/4-inches. I don’t aim for perfection here, for the record.
Cutting Hexies: Step 3
From the 5 3/16-inch x WOF strip, subcut 6-inch wide rectangles.
Cutting Hexies: Step 4
Fold the rectangles in half, such that the folded rectangle is just over 2 1/2-inches (2 19/32-inches) tall by 6-inches wide. Press the fold flat.
Cutting Hexies: Step 5
I have an Olfa 18- by 24-inch cutting mat. In the center of my mat, there is a portion that has 60° angles marked. Where I have the folded rectangle positioned, the 60° lines are separated by 6-inches, which is perfect!
Cutting Hexies: Step 6
Note that you want to have the fold pointing down and the free edges of the rectangle pointed up.
Cutting Hexies: Step 7
Line up a ruler with the 60° line.
Cutting Hexies: Step 8
Trim along the 60° line.
Cutting Hexies: Step 9
Repeat on the other side: line up a ruler along the 60° line and trim.
Cutting Hexies: Voila!
Press the hexagon open and marvel at the precision of your 6-inch point to point hexagon!
***UPDATE***
And if your mat does not have the same handy lines on it that my mat does, here is a visual reference and spacing information that you can use to draw your own 60° lines on your mat.
Olfa Cutting Mat – 60° Line References
Usually I have precut hexies or I use my hexie template, but if I didn’t have those…this would be perfect! Great tutorial Yvonne!
I’m pretty excited that you shared this. I had been meaning to look for instructions on cutting hexies because I really want to make some of the coasters. Seems pretty simple. Now to figure out if my cutting mat has those handy little angles marked.
This is an awesome tutorial! I have wanted to make the coasters you showed earlier but I did not have any hexagons on hand.
So helpful for cutting without a special ruler or template. One thing I would add is that some rulers have a 60 degree line you could also use instead of the cutting mat. I showed my friend my coasters and she now wants to make some.
Yvonne, This is an amazing tutorial! My father absolutely loves my handmade coasters and therefore, I make him a new set every year. I have been pondering which fabrics to use and which pattern to use. You have solved the pattern and taken all of the difficult technicalities away for me! Thank you for sharing all of this information and the specific tutorial that will be invaluable to so many of us! Have a wonderful creative day!
Would have loved to have this when I was making the Juggle quilt by Thimble Blossoms. I used the template that comes with Moda Hexagons, but it’s very easy to lop off a sixteenth-of-an-inch when cutting (repeatedly so that you’re really off sometimes!). I will keep this for future reference, and if I ever make another Juggle quilt!
Great tutorial. i do have a hexie template that I could trace around to make the coasters but this is good and I’m happy for the link to be able to make diffferent sizes.
I don’t use the lines on my mat but now think I should pay more attention to them – thanks for this, so clearly explained as well!
This is so helpful Yvonne! Those larger hexies are more challenging to get just right and now we can!
Looking back to find your first post on the hexie coasters, and I saw this. Great tutorial; I think most of us rarely use the lines on our mat, but clearly they are there for a reason, and with careful placement and attention to detail, we can make very good use of them. I made my hexies for a scrap-a-palooza quilt using my 6X12″ ruler from Omnigrid, based on math and instructions in Bethany Reynolds’ Stack ‘n Whack book; should write a little tutorial for that! When your cash flow is limited (and/or, ahem, you’d rather put your few $$ towards fabric!) figuring out ways to do these cool shapes without having to purchase a fairly expensive, often one-quilt-use ruler is pretty handy.k
Thanks for the tutorial. This is very helpful!
This is really clever, and thanks for the ‘update’ my mat has no such helpful lines.