Thread: hand piecing as strong as machine piecing?

Anybody know if hand piecing is a strong as machine piecing?? I wonder if the bobbin thread makes any difference.

Inquiring minds would like to know. :roll:

It probably isn't as strong as machine piecing. However, I have a quilt on my bed with hand pieced blocks. It's now over 10 years old, and the stitching has held up just fine.

Janet

I think it depends on the stitch. I have done some piecing (way back in the day) where I used double thread and a backstitch. I would have double-dog dared anyone to rip that.

It is true...........you gave me a good laugh with the dare!

Originally Posted by MadQuilter

I think it depends on the stitch. I have done some piecing (way back in the day) where I used double thread and a backstitch. I would have double-dog dared anyone to rip that.

My first quilt (over 30 years ago) was hand pieced, and it's in great shape after many years of regular use! The fabric has worn in a few areas, but the piecing has held up. I used a single thread and a backstitch every four or five stitches.

To be honest I don't think so, unless you do a lot of backstitching.

Originally Posted by MadQuilter

I think it depends on the stitch. I have done some piecing (way back in the day) where I used double thread and a backstitch. I would have double-dog dared anyone to rip that.

I used to hand piece my quilts this way too.

I believe the sewing machine will provide a stronger lock stitch than hand work.

Depends on how you end your seams. If you tie a good strong knot, it should be fine. After all, there are a lot of antique textiles out there where the stitching is holding up just fine.

I have a bunch of antique quilts, and it usually is the fabric that goes, not the thread that stitched the pieces together. Usually it is because of a very narrow seam allowance that some old- time quilters used. The fabric started to unravel. But the threads are still intact.