To determine which sign makes the statement true, we need to evaluate the expression \(-1\) and the absolute value \(|-6|\).
The absolute value of \(-6\) is:
\[ |-6| = 6 \]
Now, we compare \(-1\) and \(6\):
- \(-1 < 6\) is true.
- \(-1 > 6\) is false.
- \(-1 = 6\) is false.
Therefore, the correct sign to make the statement true is:
\[ -1 < | -6 | \]
So, the answer is \(<\).