I use ricky tims' stabile stuff... Print the hexies onto that and cut out while listening to the TV
I use fabric squares an cut away the four extra corners once the stable stuff hexies are glued on (a dot with the pritt glue stick - or whatever type is on sale)
Then add a bit of glue to the edges of the stable stuff Hexie and turn the sides, & iron these down
No problems passing the needles through. John James, 10s or 11s. And Libby's bottom line thread, by superior. I bought a couple of the filled donuts, that gives me any color I could want...
The important thing is: Have fun with your hexies