If you’re looking for a charming and meaningful way to decorate your tree this year, creating your own Holiday Hexie Ornaments – Pattern might be the perfect holiday project. These hexagon-shaped fabric ornaments are not only beautiful but also incredibly customizable and beginner-friendly. Plus, they make for thoughtful handmade gifts or treasured keepsakes that can be enjoyed year after year.
The term “Hexie” refers to small hexagonal fabric pieces, commonly used in English paper piecing (EPP). This slow stitching technique allows you to relax, unwind, and create something special by hand—ideal for cozy evenings during the holiday season. With the right Holiday Hexie Ornaments – Pattern, you can craft a collection of festive decorations using fabric scraps, a needle and thread, and your imagination.
Whether you’re an experienced quilter or just starting to explore the world of fabric crafts, this guide will walk you through the steps, ideas, and inspiration you need to make beautiful Holiday Hexie Ornaments. Let’s jump into this joyful and satisfying DIY tradition.
1. What Are Holiday Hexie Ornaments and Why Make Them?
Holiday Hexie Ornaments – Pattern projects are small, hand-sewn decorations made from hexagon-shaped fabric pieces. These ornaments often use traditional quilting techniques and are perfect for repurposing scrap fabric into something festive and heartfelt.
One reason these ornaments are so popular is their simplicity. You don’t need a sewing machine or fancy materials—just fabric, paper templates, needle, and thread. It’s an accessible craft for all skill levels, from kids to seasoned sewists.
Each hexie is created by wrapping fabric around a paper hexagon and basting it into shape. Several hexies can be joined together to form stars, snowflakes, or wreaths, or a single hexie can be embellished and finished as a minimalist ornament.
Crafting Holiday Hexie Ornaments – Pattern is also an eco-conscious choice. Instead of buying plastic or mass-produced decorations, you’re creating something by hand that uses fabric remnants and minimal supplies.
Beyond sustainability, these ornaments offer the joy of storytelling. You can use meaningful fabric—such as from a baby blanket, favorite shirt, or holiday tablecloth—giving your ornament emotional depth and personal history.
Lastly, these ornaments can be easily customized. Add embroidery, beads, buttons, or ribbon to suit your personal holiday decor style. You can even write the year or the names of loved ones on the back, turning each ornament into a memory capsule.
2. Materials You’ll Need to Make Holiday Hexie Ornaments
To start crafting your Holiday Hexie Ornaments – Pattern, you’ll only need a few basic materials—most of which you might already have in your sewing box. This makes the project budget-friendly and perfect for spontaneous crafting.
The core material is fabric scraps. Cotton is the most common choice, especially quilting cotton. It’s easy to fold and stitch, holds its shape well, and comes in countless festive prints. Try using reds, greens, golds, and snowy whites for classic Christmas vibes.
You’ll also need hexagon paper templates. These can be bought pre-cut or printed and cut at home. Standard sizes range from 1” to 2” in diameter. You’ll wrap your fabric around these and temporarily baste them into shape.
For basting, use needle and thread (any color will do, as these stitches are usually temporary). You can also use a glue stick to secure the fabric around the paper if you prefer the glue-basting method.
Scissors, fabric glue (optional), and batting or felt are useful for finishing your ornaments. Adding a bit of batting between two hexies gives your ornament a soft, plush feel. Felt works great as a backing fabric for a clean finish.
You’ll also want embellishments—tiny bows, sequins, buttons, mini bells, or embroidery thread for decorating. These turn simple hexies into magical, festive creations that stand out on your Christmas tree.
Finally, use ribbon or twine to make hanging loops. Sew or glue these securely to the top of the ornament so it can hang beautifully from a tree, garland, or gift box.
3. How to Make a Holiday Hexie Ornament – Step-by-Step
Now that you have your materials ready, it’s time to create your first Holiday Hexie Ornaments – Pattern! Follow these simple steps to bring your decoration to life.
Start by preparing your fabric hexagons. Cut fabric squares about ¼” to ⅜” larger than your paper template on all sides. Center the paper on the fabric and fold the edges over, securing them with either thread (basting) or glue.
Once you’ve basted enough hexies, decide on your layout. You can use one hexie as a minimalist ornament or join multiple in patterns—like a flower (1 center + 6 petals), star (6 points), or heart shape (a fun twist using hexies).
Join the hexies using a whip stitch or ladder stitch. Hold two hexies right sides together and sew through the edges, catching just the fabric, not the paper. Continue joining pieces until your desired shape is complete.
After sewing the layout, remove the paper templates carefully. Then add a layer of batting or felt between the front and back to give your ornament body. You can cut another hexie for the back or use a solid circle or felt piece.
Secure the layers together using invisible stitches, or topstitch around the edges for a more rustic look. Don’t forget to add your hanging loop before stitching it all closed. This can be placed between the layers or sewn onto the back.
Finally, decorate! Use embroidery to stitch names or the year, glue tiny embellishments, or sew on beads and bells. This is where your creativity really shines—make it as simple or as sparkly as you like.
4. Creative Variations and Display Ideas
One of the most exciting parts of crafting Holiday Hexie Ornaments – Pattern is exploring the creative variations and how to display them. With a little imagination, your hexies can become part of much more than just your Christmas tree.
Try making a full hexie garland by joining multiple hexies together with ribbon or string. This makes a beautiful decoration for a mantel, doorway, or even wrapped around the tree as a handmade garland.
Create gift toppers using individual hexie ornaments. Instead of a bow, place a handmade ornament on top of a wrapped present. It adds a personal touch and gives the recipient a bonus keepsake.
Experiment with different shapes beyond the classic hexagon layout. For example, you can form stars by combining hexies with diamond shapes, or even layer hexies in a circle to mimic a wreath.
Don’t limit yourself to Christmas—Holiday Hexie Ornaments – Pattern can be adapted for other holidays too. Use pastel fabrics for Easter eggs, autumn tones for Thanksgiving, or spooky prints for Halloween.
Use these ornaments as advent calendar pieces. Create 24 hexie ornaments and hang one each day on a mini tree, wall display, or string across the fireplace. Add a number to each and enjoy a new ornament daily as Christmas approaches.
Finally, consider framing a few of your favorite hexie designs in embroidery hoops or mini frames. These make great handmade gifts and can be enjoyed long after the holidays are over.
FAQ – Holiday Hexie Ornaments – Pattern
Q1: What is a hexie ornament?
A hexie ornament is a holiday decoration made from hexagon-shaped fabric pieces, typically using English paper piecing. They can be sewn together into various shapes and embellished for display on Christmas trees or gifts.
Q2: Can I make hexie ornaments without a sewing machine?
Yes! These ornaments are perfect for hand-sewing. All the piecing is done by hand, making it an ideal craft for beginners or those who enjoy slow stitching.
Q3: What size should my hexagon templates be?
Hexagon templates typically range from 1″ to 2″ in size. Smaller sizes work well for tree ornaments, while larger ones can be used for wall hangings or garlands.
Q4: What fabric should I use?
Quilting cotton is the most common choice because it’s easy to work with. However, you can also experiment with felt, linen, or flannel for a cozier texture.
Q5: How do I hang the ornaments?
Attach a small loop of ribbon, twine, or yarn to the top of the ornament—either sewn between layers or stitched onto the back. Make sure it’s secure enough to support the ornament’s weight.
Q6: Can I wash my hexie ornaments?
These are not usually meant to be washed, especially if they include embellishments. If necessary, spot clean with a damp cloth and let air dry.
Conclusion
Creating your own Holiday Hexie Ornaments – Pattern is a heartfelt, creative, and sustainable way to celebrate the holiday season. These small hexagon treasures allow you to reuse fabric scraps, slow down during the busy season, and make something meaningful withyour hands.
In this article, we covered the basics of what hexie ornaments are, how to make them, the materials you’ll need, and ways to personalize and display your creations. Whether you’re decorating your home, making gifts, or starting a new holiday tradition, these handmade ornaments are a perfect fit for the season.
We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, experiences, or suggestions in the comments below. What kind of fabrics did you use? What shapes or designs did you try? Your feedback helps us grow and brings our crafting community closer together. Happy stitching and happy holidays!
