This method is suitable only for small to medium-sized paper pieces (½ to 1 inch edges in length; 1–2.5 cm). The key difference here is that you do not stitch through the paper piece. This has the advantage of eliminating basting stitches altogether, making the process faster while still achieving neat, precise results. I’ve used this technique for many years, and it consistently produces beautiful outcomes.
For Hexagons:
Preparations: The initial setup is the same as usual.
Place the paper shape on the wrong side of the fabric (pin in place if needed). Cut the fabric patch at least ¼ inch (6–7 mm) larger than the paper using good scissors. This excess fabric will act as your seam allowance, ensuring that the paper is easily covered on all sides. Some quilters recommend cutting fabric squares when using hexagons—while I haven’t tried this myself, it should work just fine.
Start at one corner. Fold over the seam allowance along the edge of the paper, then fold over the next fabric edge. Finger-press both folds, hold them securely, and stitch through the meeting point to gather the two folds with a single stitch. Do not stitch through the paper! No stitches should appear on the front of the fabric-covered shape.
Pull the stitch tight and rotate the paper piece in your hand to the next corner. Fold over the next edge of fabric and again stitch through the folds to hold them together with a loop of thread.
Continue working your way around the shape. Most right-handed quilters find it easiest to move anti-clockwise. Fold, stitch, tighten, and rotate until you’ve covered all edges neatly.
At the last corner, finish off with a second stitch on top of the first. To secure the end of your thread, weave a few tiny stitches through the seam allowance, then snip off the thread.
Voilà! You’re done — no basting stitches visible. This method works just as well for diamonds or other paper shapes, as long as they are not too large or too small.