Learn to Crochet a Rainbow Half Hexagon Motif

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding the Gap in Hexagon Blankets
3. Materials Needed
4. Step 1: Creating a Half Hexagon
   • 4.1. Magic Circle
   • 4.2. Chain and Double Crochet
   • 4.3. Chain and Double Crochet 2 Together
5. Step 2: Adding Rows to the Half Hexagon
   • 5.1. Turning and Working into the Back
   • 5.2. Creating Decreases and Chain Spaces
6. Step 3: Joining the Half Hexagons
7. The Importance of Proper Placement
8. Finishing Touches: Adding a Border
9. Pros and Cons of Using Half Hexagons
10. Conclusion

How to Make Half Hexagons for Hexagon Blankets

Hexagon blankets are a popular choice for crocheters who enjoy creating unique and visually appealing designs. However, when assembling hexagons, you may encounter a gap that can be challenging to fill. In this tutorial, I will show you how to make half hexagons that perfectly fit into this gap, providing a seamless and professional finish to your blanket.

Introduction

Creating a hexagon blanket involves joining multiple hexagons together. Due to their offset arrangement, a gap is formed that requires a specific shape to fill in. A regular hexagon cannot fill this space efficiently, leading to a zigzag appearance when a border is added. To overcome this issue, making half hexagons is the ideal solution. These half hexagons are shaped like parallelograms or trapeziums, allowing them to seamlessly fit into the gap and create a straight edge for a visually pleasing border.

Understanding the Gap in Hexagon Blankets

When joining hexagons, the offset structure can result in an uneven edge where a gap forms. This gap is a unique shape that requires careful consideration to fill in a way that maintains a smooth and seamless appearance. The half hexagons are specifically designed to fit this gap, providing a straight edge that seamlessly blends with the adjacent hexagons.

Materials Needed

Before we begin, let's gather the necessary materials:

• Crochet hook
• Yarn of your choice
• Scissors
• Yarn needle

Having these materials handy will ensure a smooth and efficient crocheting process. Once you have your materials ready, we can move on to creating the half hexagons.

Step 1: Creating a Half Hexagon

To start making a half hexagon, we will first create a Magic Circle. If you are unfamiliar with this technique, you can refer to a tutorial video linked in the description for a detailed demonstration.

Once you have your Magic Circle ready, follow these steps:

4.1. Magic Circle

1. Chain two.
2. Insert a double crochet into the Magic Circle.
3. Chain three.
4. Work another double crochet two together.

4.2. Chain and Double Crochet

1. Chain two, then turn your work.
2. Insert a double crochet into the same space where you chained from.
3. Chain one.
4. Into the chain three space, work a double crochet two together, followed by a chain three and another double crochet two together.
5. Chain one.

4.3. Chain and Double Crochet 2 Together

1. Chain two, then turn your work.
2. Insert a double crochet into the same space where you chained from.
3. Chain one.
4. Repeat the process of working a double crochet two together, chain three, and double crochet two together into the chain three space.
5. Chain one.
6. Finally, work two separate double crochets into the top of the initial chain two.
7. Cut the yarn, leaving a sufficient length for weaving in later.

By following these steps, you will create a half hexagon that fits into the gap of your hexagon blanket. The edges of this half hexagon may differ slightly from the adjacent hexagons, but once the full blanket is complete, these differences will be inconspicuous.

Step 2: Adding Rows to the Half Hexagon

To ensure a seamless blend with the adjacent hexagons, we need to add additional rows to the half hexagon. This will extend the length of the corner sections, allowing them to reach the edges of the surrounding hexagons. Follow these steps:

5.1. Turning and Working into the Back

1. Keep the same side of the half hexagon facing you.
2. Using a contrasting yarn color, join it by creating a Slipknot.
3. Start working into the corner where you cut the yarn from the previous step.
4. Join the yarn into the chain space rather than the double crochet stitches.

5.2. Creating Decreases and Chain Spaces

1. Chain three.
2. Work one more double crochet into the same chain space.
3. Chain three.
4. Work two additional double crochets into the same chain space.
5. Into the chain one space, work three double crochets.
6. Repeat the process of two double crochets, chain two, and two double crochets into the chain three space.
7. Work three double crochets into the chain one space.
8. Repeat the pattern of two double crochets, chain two, and two double crochets into the chain three space.
9. Finally, work two double crochets, chain three, and two double crochets into the same space.
10. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail for weaving in later.

By following these steps, you will have successfully added rows to your half hexagon. This will ensure that it blends seamlessly when joined with the adjacent hexagons.

Step 3: Joining the Half Hexagons

Now that you have created the half hexagons and added rows to them, it's time to join them with the rest of the hexagon blanket. Place the half hexagons in the gap, ensuring proper alignment and a straight edge. Use a slip stitch or your preferred joining method to attach the half hexagons to each other and the surrounding hexagons. Take care to match the stitches and corners for a neat and professional finish.

The Importance of Proper Placement

When placing the half hexagons to fill in the gap, it is crucial to consider their placement. While the exact position may vary depending on the size of your hexagons and tension, aiming for even spacing along the outside edge is ideal. This will help create a straight edge that appears intentional and visually pleasing. Although perfection is not necessary, taking the time to evenly space the half hexagons will save you potential headaches when adding a border later.

Finishing Touches: Adding a Border

To complete your hexagon blanket, consider adding a border. A border not only adds a polished look but also helps hide any imperfections and reinforces the edges of the blanket. You can choose a simple single crochet border or explore more intricate patterns to enhance your design further. Experiment with different colors and stitches to find the perfect border that complements your hexagon blanket.

Pros and Cons of Using Half Hexagons

While half hexagons offer a solution for filling the gaps in hexagon blankets, it is essential to consider both the pros and cons before deciding to incorporate them into your project.

Pros:

• Creates a straight edge and seamless appearance.
• Provides a professional and polished finish.
• Allows for greater design flexibility.
• Helps reinforce the edges of the blanket.

Cons:

• Requires additional planning and consideration during the crocheting process.
• May involve more time and effort compared to working with full hexagons.
• Requires careful placement to ensure a neat and balanced look.

By considering these pros and cons, you can make an informed decision about using half hexagons in your hexagon blanket project.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you have learned how to make half hexagons to fill the gaps in hexagon blankets. By following the step-by-step instructions and considering proper placement, you can achieve a seamless and professional finish for your blanket. Remember to add rows to the half hexagons, join them correctly, and consider adding a border to complete the design. With these techniques, you can create a stunning hexagon blanket that stands out for its beauty and craftsmanship.

Highlights

• Learn how to create half hexagons to fill the gaps in hexagon blankets.
• Ensure a seamless and professional finish with properly placed half hexagons.
• Add rows to the half hexagons for a perfect blend with the surrounding hexagons.
• Join the half hexagons using a slip stitch or preferred method.
• Consider adding a border to enhance the design and reinforce the edges of the blanket.

FAQ

1. How do half hexagons improve the appearance of a hexagon blanket? By filling in the gaps and creating a straight edge, half hexagons provide a seamless and professional finish to the blanket.

2. Can I use different colors for the half hexagons? Yes, you can experiment with different yarn colors to create a unique and visually appealing design for your hexagon blanket.

3. Is it necessary to add rows to the half hexagons? Adding rows to the half hexagons ensures they blend seamlessly with the adjacent hexagons, creating a more visually pleasing result.

4. Can I use a different joining method for the half hexagons? Yes, you can use a slip stitch or any other preferred joining method to attach the half hexagons to each other and the surrounding hexagons.

5. Do I need to add a border to the hexagon blanket? Adding a border is optional but recommended as it adds a polished look to the blanket and helps reinforce the edges.

6. Are there any other benefits of using half hexagons? Besides creating a seamless appearance, using half hexagons allows for greater design flexibility and adds an extra touch of creativity to your blanket.