Today I came across some references to making hex quilts by starting with circles and folding the sides. This approach works great with hand-sewing.
Hex Quilts Video
Hexagons from Circles
Hexie’s From Circles
And here's a variation based on origami:
Hexagami ~ Dimensional Hexagons!
Hexagami ~ Dimensional Hexagons! Part II
You can make 3D things with hexagons too:
Designing with Hexagons: Going 3D Part 1 (woven)
Fabric Ball Dog & Baby Toy
Made a jacket out of all my quilting scraps
Quilted Tote Bag Hexagon Patchwork
Hex Quilts Video
Hexagons from Circles
Hexie’s From Circles
And here's a variation based on origami:
Hexagami ~ Dimensional Hexagons!
Hexagami ~ Dimensional Hexagons! Part II
You can make 3D things with hexagons too:
Designing with Hexagons: Going 3D Part 1 (woven)
Fabric Ball Dog & Baby Toy
Made a jacket out of all my quilting scraps
Quilted Tote Bag Hexagon Patchwork