hand quilting method?
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Camden, Arkansas
Posts: 228
hand quilting method?
Could someone tell me WHY you have to the middle finger of the right hand with a thimble to quilt? I do not and whenever Im corrected by other family members, they cant tell me why this is the proper way to do it. Just that this is the way to do it..
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 381
I have been hand quilting for 40 years. I don't know why I use my middle finger but it has certainly made it stronger and allows me to get a lot done. I have also taught myself to quilt with both hands. My left hand is not as fast but it is great when I am working on a floor frame.
#5
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Location: NY
Posts: 10,590
I hand quilt pushing the needle with the fingernail of my index finger and my thumb. I never properly trained myself to use a thimble so I find it awkward. The reason for using the middle finger with a thimble is to allow your thumb and index finger to be thimble free so you can grasp the needle when pulling the needle through and also for starting your new set of stitches. It is a more efficient use of time and energy doing it that way. But I do it the way I am comfortable doing it. It may take me longer but I manage and I have also achieved even close stitches.
If you want a visual to show your family members who say you are doing it "wrong", do a search on the quiltingboard for posts made by borntohandquilt. She does one stitch at a time and has won ribbons at international shows for her hand quilting. She also posted a tutorial here http://www.quiltingboard.com/tutoria...g-t142087.html on how she quilts, one stitch at a time! Also here is a sample of my hand quilting doing it "wrong" by your family member's definition using my index finger and thumb:
[ATTACH=CONFIG]456662[/ATTACH]
If you want a visual to show your family members who say you are doing it "wrong", do a search on the quiltingboard for posts made by borntohandquilt. She does one stitch at a time and has won ribbons at international shows for her hand quilting. She also posted a tutorial here http://www.quiltingboard.com/tutoria...g-t142087.html on how she quilts, one stitch at a time! Also here is a sample of my hand quilting doing it "wrong" by your family member's definition using my index finger and thumb:
[ATTACH=CONFIG]456662[/ATTACH]
Last edited by feline fanatic; 01-15-2014 at 05:17 AM.
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 5,572
Do what works for you and ignore the quilt police! I am self taught but do use the middle finger/thimble and I use a rubber finger tip on my index finger for gripping the needle. Sometimes I do one stitch at a time, most other times not...depends on the design and how thick the work is at that particular spot.
BTW - beautiful work, Feline!
BTW - beautiful work, Feline!
#8
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,538
I hand quilt with a thimble on my index finger. I have more control and my index finger is stronger. I believe they want you to use your middle finger so you have the index and thumb free to pull the needle through when you have the stitches loaded on the needle.
The middle finger does not work for me and in fact makes my hand ache. I do have a thumble that I use when quilting away from myself
The middle finger does not work for me and in fact makes my hand ache. I do have a thumble that I use when quilting away from myself
#10
If your quilting looks just as good as theirs, then they have no position from which to argue. Tell them you'll be glad to teach them your method sometime and go on your merry way doing what works best for you. On the other hand, if you're just learning to hand quilt, maybe they're trying to teach you using the way they know best. I've found that if I'm taking any class it's best to try the instructor's methods, even if they don't seem natural to me at the time. Later on I may change the methods, but at least I've made a good faith effort at learning that person's technique, which obviously works for her.
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