About Hexiform

Hexiform® is an innovative alternative to traditional paper templates used in English Paper Piecing (EPP). Developed by Ashmead Designs in the UK, it combines the precision of traditional paper piecing with the convenience of a permanent, washable insert, allowing makers to enjoy all the accuracy of EPP without the need to remove paper templates at the end of a project.

Unlike paper or card templates, Hexiform is made from a specially engineered lightweight material that is designed to remain inside your finished work. Once covered with fabric and stitched together, it gives each shape a softly padded structure, adding body, stability and beautiful definition. Because the material is fully washable, it can safely remain inside quilts, bags, cushions and many other textile projects throughout their lifetime.

The Smarter Way to Enjoy English Paper Piecing
English Paper Piecing has been treasured for generations for its precision, portability and calming, mindful rhythm. Hexiform preserves everything that makes traditional EPP so enjoyable while removing one of its most repetitive tasks.

The stitching remains traditional. The experience becomes easier.

Instead of spending hours removing hundreds—or even thousands—of paper templates after completing your project, simply leave the Hexiform inserts inside and enjoy the beautifully structured finish they create.

Why Makers Love Hexiform?
✔ No paper templates to remove

✔ Washable and designed to remain inside your finished project

✔ Adds soft structure and beautifully defined shapes

✔ Accurate, consistent pieces for precise English Paper Piecing

✔ Available as both pre-cut shapes and sheets for complete creative freedom

What Makes Hexiform Different?

Traditional paper templates are designed to be temporary. Once your project is stitched together, they must be carefully removed one by one before the quilt or project can be finished.

Hexiform works differently.

The inserts remain permanently inside your work, creating subtle loft and structure while maintaining beautifully crisp edges. The result is a project that not only looks more defined but also feels wonderfully soft and substantial.

For many makers, this means spending less time preparing and finishing projects—and more time enjoying the stitching itself.

Beautiful Structure

One of Hexiform's most distinctive features is the gentle dimension it creates.

Unlike paper, which simply holds the shape while stitching, Hexiform continues to support the finished project. Each piece retains a subtle loft, creating crisp edges with a softly padded appearance that enhances both the texture and definition of your work.

This makes Hexiform especially well suited for:

- Bags

- Purses

- Cushions

- Home décor

- Sewing accessories

- Decorative wall hangings

- Three-dimensional textile projects

Many stitchers also find that the slightly thicker insert makes the pieces easier to handle while sewing and gives greater stitch definition in the finished work.

How Does Hexiform Work?

Using Hexiform is wonderfully simple.
1. Cut your fabric using the recommended seam allowance.

2. Baste the fabric around the Hexiform shape.
3. Hand stitch the pieces together using your preferred English Paper Piecing stitch.
4. Leave the Hexiform permanently inside your finished project.

That's it.

There are no paper templates to remove when you've finished stitching.

Beyond Traditional English Paper Piecing

Hexiform is far more than an alternative to paper templates.

Its permanent, washable structure makes it ideal for raised appliqué, portrait quilts, contemporary art quilting, sculptural textile art, home décor, bags, wearable art and countless creative projects where dimension and beautifully defined shapes enhance the finished piece.

Think beyond traditional patchwork. Use Hexiform to create dimensional flowers, realistic portrait quilts, textile landscapes, sculptural vessels, decorative bowls, wall art and one-of-a-kind mixed media pieces where shape and texture become part of the design itself.

Hexiform Sheets – Unlimited Creative Freedom

While pre-cut Hexiform shapes are perfect for traditional English Paper Piecing, Hexiform Sheets open up an entirely new world of creative possibilities.

Simply cut the sheet into any shape or size your project requires—whether you're designing delicate petals, leaves, portrait features, organic forms or completely original geometric designs.

Instead of adapting your ideas to fit pre-cut templates, Hexiform adapts to your imagination.

Precision Across Every Shape

Ashmead Designs offers Hexiform in an extensive range of geometric shapes and sizes, including hexagons, diamonds, squares, pentagons, clamshells, tumblers, jewels and many more.

Every Hexiform shape is measured by the length of its sides. This means a 1-inch hexagon will align perfectly with a 1-inch diamond, square or other coordinating shape, making it easy to combine multiple shapes accurately within the same project.

Whether you're creating a classic quilt or designing your own original composition, you can stitch with confidence knowing every shape has been designed to work together.


How to Use Hexiform – Step by Step

Step 1 – Cut Your Fabric

Hexiform is slightly thicker than paper templates, so a slightly larger seam allowance is recommended.

- Recommended seam allowance: 3/8" (8 mm)

- Each pack includes a cutting template showing the correct seam allowance.

Step 2 – Position the Hexiform

Place the Hexiform on the wrong side of the fabric.

- The non-woven (soft) side faces the fabric.

- The woven side faces outward.

Step 3 – Fold the Seam Allowance

Fold the fabric neatly around each edge of the Hexiform.

Beginning with an edge that follows the grain of the fabric makes folding easier and produces a neat finish.

Step 4 – Baste

Secure the folded fabric with hand stitches.

Hexiform is not fusible, so it is basted in the same way as traditional paper templates. Many makers also enjoy using a fabric glue pen as an alternative to thread basting.

Step 5 – Stitch the Pieces Together

Join your prepared pieces using your preferred English Paper Piecing stitch.

Ashmead Designs recommends:

- A whip stitch

- Picking up only a few threads of fabric

- Pulling the thread gently to create an even, nearly invisible seam

Step 6 – Leave the Hexiform Inside

This is where Hexiform differs from traditional paper templates.

Once your project is complete, simply leave every Hexiform insert inside.

The material is:

- Washable

- Permanent

- Lightweight

- Designed to provide lasting shape and structure

Step 7 – Finish Your Project

Add batting and backing if required, then quilt by hand or machine as you normally would.

The Hexiform inserts remain inside your project, continuing to provide gentle loft and beautifully defined shapes for years to come.

Our Philosophy

At The Running Stitch Studio, we believe hand stitching is as much about the journey as it is about the finished piece.—it's about the quiet moments spent creating it.

Hexiform preserves everything we love about English Paper Piecing while making the journey a little simpler. By removing the need to extract hundreds of paper templates, it allows you to spend less time on repetitive finishing and more time enjoying the calm, creativity and satisfaction that comes from every stitch.

Whether you're stitching your very first hexagon or designing your next art quilt, Hexiform gives you the freedom to create with confidence. We can't wait to see what you'll make.