We published “Six Ways to Make Half Hexagons” a few years ago to show crafters how to weave half hexagons on their TURTLE hexagon pin looms. This is a good solution for straightening edgings on some projects, but fellow pin-loom weavers told us that they would like to have a dedicated and convenient half hexagon loom when a project asks for more than just a few half hexagons.
Welcome the Original Trapezoid looms in R-regular and F-fine sett, a shape that is most commonly used for half-hexagons. Use these looms on their own or together with any other “Original”-sized TURTLE loom.
Many quilting patterns use trapezoid half hexagons, either on their own or combined with other shapes. Find inspiration at our Pinterest board “Trapezoids … Half Hexagons”! I have only sampled a few ideas so far … take a look:
Bordered hexagons. Use on their own as coaster or put multi-colored units together to make a blanket. 
Pinwheel or whirligig. Start with six trapezoids in the center, then fill in the border with more trapezoids. Use as table topper or put more units together for a blanket. 
Opposite hexagons or hourglass. Put two halves together along the small bottom sides. Use for table runners, pillow cases, blankets. 
The “classic” half hexagon quilt pattern … any or many colors, sometimes patchwork effect or with one solid color opposing several colors. 
“Classic” half hexagon quilt pattern, using the half hexagons in a slanted direction. 
“Braided” half hexagons. A fun way to make strips that can be used on their own or put together to make larger items like blankets.
If you have been thinking of making the Lemon Drop Kitchen Towel from Little Looms Summer 2023, you may want to think again and consider. As a Long Thread Media Little Looms or All Access subscriber, you have instant access to the digital pattern in the Little Looms Library. You can also find a print copy of this issue in our Etsy store.
Pin-loom weaving trapezoids opens the doors to even more applications, be it 3D shapes or an intricate shaping of accessories and garments as shown in the new Rhinebeck Headscarf.
To get you started on exploring trapezoids, here is a small project that you can try out on your new loom: For this Christmas Alpaca ornament I used two half hexagons to stage a landscape for an alpaca sew-on patch. Super-easy, and you “could” make a bunch of them for the upcoming holiday season:
Make a Christmas Alpaca Ornament
- I used dishcloth cotton (3.4 yds each for ‘sky’ and ‘pasture’ ) on the new Original Trapezoid R. You can of course use the Original Trapezoid F and thinner yarn as well, but remember to adjust the amount of yarn needed. Weave one half hexagon in light blue for the sky and one in green for the pasture.
- Weave one hexagon (6 yds in color of your choice) on the Original TURTLE Loom™, R, as backing. Optionally you can embroider the year or some initials on the back (I prefer to embroider while the hexagon is still on the loom; use the photo for guidance.)
- Sew the two half hexagons together to make a full hexagon. Sew on an alpaca patch or embroider your own design onto the landscape.
- Sew the two hexagons together (right sides facing out; use whip stitch)
- The cotton is stiff enough that it doesn’t need any stuffing or support. If you use other yarns, you may need to slightly stuff the ornament like a hexie puff or you can cut out a hexagon from cardboard or plastic canvas.
- Add a hanger of your choice.
I didn’t realize how addictive making things with trapezoid shapes can be, and I know that only time is the limit to exploring this new realm. My advice to you:
Enter the world of trapezoid weaving at your own risk … awesome fun awaits!
