EPP Hexi Ornament Tutorial

Celebrate Christmas in July with a charming handmade ornament inspired by the festive Christmas Markets of Germany! This English Paper Pieced (EPP) Hexi Ornament was a favorite make-and-take project during our 2025 Sulky Christmas Market Tour through Germany, and now we’re sharing it with you so you can stitch a little European holiday magic at home.

Using Sulky Perfect Appliqué Fusible Web, Sulky Felty, Sulky 50 wt. Cotton Thread, and Sulky 12 wt. Cotton Petites, you’ll create a beautiful keepsake ornament that’s perfect for holiday decorating, gift giving, or simply dreaming of the next Christmas season.

Be sure to join us on our next Christmas Market tour, through Germany France and Switzerland this November 2026! LEARN MORE>

EPP Hexi Ornament Supplies

• FREE Hexi Ornament Templates
• Thread
  • Sulky 50 wt. Cotton (for piecing)
  • Sulky 12 wt. Cotton Petites™ (for decorative stitching)
• Sulky Felty™ (background)
• Assorted fabric scraps for hexagons
• Sulky Perfect Appliqué Fusible Web
• Hand-sewing needle
• Water-soluble fabric glue pen or basting glue (optional)
• Ribbon or twine for hanging

Step 1: Prepare the Hexis

Print the template pages at 100%.

Cut out the paper hexagon templates along the solid lines. These will serve as your English Paper Piecing shapes.

Using the template dimensions, cut fabric hexagons approximately ¼” larger on all sides than the paper pieces.

Center a paper template on the wrong side of each fabric hexagon. Fold the fabric seam allowances over the paper and secure with a small dab of glue or a few basting stitches.

Prepare six hexagons to complete the ornament design.

Step 2: Piece the Hexis

Arrange the hexagons according to the layout shown above.

Using Sulky 50 wt. Cotton Thread and a hand-sewing needle, whipstitch adjacent hexagons together. Take small stitches through the folded fabric edges only, avoiding the paper inserts.

Continue joining hexagons until the entire motif is complete.

Once assembled, gently remove all paper templates from the back of the design.

Press lightly.

Step 3: Create the Ornament Base

Using the provided template, cut:

• One ornament background from Sulky Felty™
• One ornament backing from Sulky Perfect Appliqué Fusible Web. Note: You may find it easier to cut the fusible web using the pieced hexi shape, rather than the template. Folks in our hands-on workshop liked that option because then the fusible web perfectly matched the pieced hexagon shape even if the stitching was off a bit.

Fuse the Sulky Perfect Appliqué Fusible Web to the back of the completed hexagon motif.

Then, remove the release paper.

Next, center the hexagon design onto the Felty ornament background. Insert a folded ribbon or twine loop at the ornament upper edge, between the layers. Then, fuse the fabric hexis to the Felty.

Step 4: Add Decorative Stitching

Thread a hand-sewing needle with Sulky 12 wt. Cotton Petites™.

Use decorative stitches around the fused hexagon motif, such as:

• Running stitch
• Blanket stitch
• Feather stitch
• Cross stitch accents
• French knots

The heavier 12 wt. Cotton adds beautiful texture and hand-crafted detail while complementing the pieced hexagons.

Stitch around the perimeter of the Felty ornament shape if desired.

For additional embellishment, sew beads, buttons, sequins or jingle bells to the ornament where desired.

Display and Enjoy

Hang your finished ornament on a Christmas tree, package topper, wreath, or holiday display. Make several ornaments using different fabric combinations to create a festive collection inspired by European Christmas Markets.

This ornament was originally created as one of our hands-on workshop projects during the 2025 Sulky Christmas Market Tour through Germany. While exploring charming villages, festive market stalls, twinkling lights, and centuries-old holiday traditions, travelers gathered to stitch these sweet ornaments as a reminder of their journey.

If creating this ornament sparks your wanderlust, join us for the 2026 Sulky Christmas Markets Tour through Germany, Switzerland, and France. You’ll experience breathtaking holiday markets, seasonal traditions, unforgettable scenery, and inspiring creative experiences along the way.

Until then, enjoy a little Christmas magic in July—one hexagon at a time!