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After watching the viral Hexagon Jelly Roll quilt tutorial by @samrhymeswithhamm on TikTok, I felt inspired to dive into quilting for the very first time! Her clear and creative approach, paired with an online pattern from Material Girl Quilts, gave me the confidence (i.e. sparked my hyperfixation enough) to give it a try.
Choosing My Fabrics
To get started, I visited my local quilt shop, Cotton & Chocolate Quilt Co., where I picked out fabrics for my project. For the quilt top, I used Tilda fabrics, which came in the form of pre-cut 2.5" strip collections called "Candy Bars." These are custom bundles created by the shop, and I used four packages—equivalent to two standard Jelly Rolls. This was the perfect amount for a throw-sized quilt, measuring approximately 58x60 inches.
While Cotton & Chocolate Quilt Co. has an online store, their "Candy Bars" are only available in-store. The fabrics included in the bundles I used were primarily a blend of prints from the Tilda Sanctuary and Hibernation collections, if you're looking to create something similar.
Supplies I Used
An essential tool for this project is a 60-degree triangle ruler. I used the Creative Grids 60-Degree Triangle Ruler for cutting the triangles needed to assemble the hexagons in my quilt design.
I also used the Martelli EC004 Ergo 2000 45mm Rotary Cutter, which I absolutely love! I often struggle with rotary cutting, but the ergonomic design of this cutter made the process so much easier and more comfortable. It takes a minute to get used to this design if you're accustomed to using a traditional rotary cutter, but it's worth the learning curve!
Another tool I get asked about on my sewing videos is my magnetic seam guide. I butt it right up against my presser foot when quilting to help guide my fabric for a uniform 1/4 inch seam allowance, but since it's magnetic, it can easily be moved around depending on your required seam allowance for other sewing projects. Another option for keeping your 1/4 inch seam allowances even for quilting is a 1/4" presser foot. I have and use both but really love the versatility and ease of the magnetic guide!
Binding & Backing
For the quilt binding, I selected the Eucalyptus Lafayette print from Tilda’s Hibernation collection, which matched one of the fabrics in my quilt top. I purchased half a yard, and it was more than enough to complete the binding for my quilt size.
For the backing, I chose a basic Kona Cotton from Joann's and needed to piece it together to fit the quilt dimensions. I purchased 4 yards in total for the backing. To determine the exact fabric requirements for both the binding and backing, I used an online calculator, inputting the measurements of my finished quilt top.
Wrapping It Up
Tackling my first quilt was such a rewarding experience! With guidance from a viral TikTok tutorial, an online pattern, and a little help from my local quilt shop, I created a cozy throw-sized quilt that I’m incredibly proud of. This project taught me so much about quilting, and I can’t wait to start my next one!
Links to Project Supplies
Tiktok Video Series
Video Overview Part 1
Video Overview Part 2
Video Overview Part 3
Video Overview Part 4
If you, too, were inspired by a viral video to tackle the hexagon quilt, I’d love to hear how it turns out—feel free to share your experience in the comments or tag me on social media.
With love and creativity,
Jacquie
Atom Heart Cross Stitch
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