About to try handquilting for the first time.
#2
take your time and enjoy yourself. Your stitches won't be perfect at first but will get better over time. It may feel awkward at first but that will go away too.
Make sure the quilt is not too taut in the frame.
Make sure the quilt is not too taut in the frame.
#4
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
Probably the most common mistake beginning handquilters make is to draw the quilt sandwich drum tight in the hoop. You should actually have enough "give" in the hoop to equal a fist -- maybe 4 to 6 inches. This is what allows you to manipulate the layers onto the needle.
Here is a link to my favorite lap hoop:
http://www.keepsakequilting.com/productdetail/9113.htm
The swivel ball allows you to adjust the angle easily, and there is nothing to impede the hand underneath.
Here is a link to my favorite lap hoop:
http://www.keepsakequilting.com/productdetail/9113.htm
The swivel ball allows you to adjust the angle easily, and there is nothing to impede the hand underneath.
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,345
Try to find your own way of handquilting. You will find different instructions with different tools and techniques in the internet and in books and maybe not every method works for you. Don't give up until you have found your way and practice.
#6
I always found it helpful to have a 'scrap block' handy and would do a few stitches on that first to get the feel and momentum of quilting and then start on the main project only did it for a short time before I could just dive in and start stitching - have fun
#7
Originally Posted by janedee
I always found it helpful to have a 'scrap block' handy and would do a few stitches on that first to get the feel and momentum of quilting and then start on the main project only did it for a short time before I could just dive in and start stitching - have fun
#8
Good advice here! Most of my tips have already been given. My only other advice is to mark lightly and make sure you have good light. There's nothing so heartbreaking as marks that won't come out.
When you start quilting, have the needle perpendicular to the quilt. If it goes straight in, the stitch on the back will be almost the same size as the front. Not that I would worry about the back right now - get the hang of stitching, first.
Janet
When you start quilting, have the needle perpendicular to the quilt. If it goes straight in, the stitch on the back will be almost the same size as the front. Not that I would worry about the back right now - get the hang of stitching, first.
Janet
#9
I think it takes about 3 hours of hand-quilting (continuous, if possible) before it starts to feel "natural." The best advice I can give you is not to worry about the size of your stitch at first, although I didn't follow that advice and just about drove myself crazy! Consistency first, then size.
Let us know how you like it!!
Jory
Let us know how you like it!!
Jory
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