Thread: Hand quilting

When i took a class at my LQS the lady provided a sandwich piece about 15 inch square. She had put a couple lines on it so we could get started faster and have something to follow. She also gave us ideas on how to mark out pieces in the future and we were able to try a couple on our sandwich. Then she told us how she does it. There is always one person in a class that has to say there is an easier way or a different way but this lady basically said they had paid money for her to teach her method so that was what she was going to do. But there was no hoop and it was a rocking motion - fairly easy and most like Roxanne McElroy's version and Georgie Bonesteel's. Anyway, she suggested we keep the practice piece for the future because it always helps to start with a few warm up stitches before getting into your actual quilt. And I found she was right. I still do a few inches to get my flow and then work on the quilt.

Not sure if that will help you much - I always want to make every stitch count but for some reason I have found a few warm-up stitches help.

There is a video from an old Simply Quilts episode, Liuxin Newman shows her method of quilting using a clear plastic. She uses a hoop but it shows what she does above an below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zej-2uIyLY0

Good luck!

I am a self-taught quilter for the most part. That said, I was fortunate enough to start my quilting adventure when Simply Quilts with Alex Anderson was still on the air. And I had a friend who is also a hand quilter. I agree with all the folks who suggest either a class at your LQS or try videos. Perhaps your local library has some videos available as well.

I, agree, it usually takes a few stitches to get your rhythm going. Size of your stitches is not as important as the consistency of the size of your stitch. Over time, your stitches will become smaller. I've tried the longer needles but am more fond of the smaller quilting 'betweens'. I think they are a sturdier needle. Find yourself a thimble that you are comfortable using. I use a 'thimblelady' thimble. It's a bit longer than a traditional thimble; open-ended; and you push with the pad of your finger vs the tip, thus making it (certainly for me) a more comfortable action.

I use a thimble on my middle finger; have a rubber finger tip (like used to be used to count pages/money) on my index finger. Easier for me to grip the needle when finished with that group of stitches. The under finger gets quite pricked and eventually calloused from feeling that needle tip coming through. There are implements out there to help with that but I've never gotten comfortable with any of them.

Hand quilting is a skill that typically takes quite a bit of practice before becoming proficient. Keep at it...you'll get there. It's all about the process. Not a race.

My best advice is practice, practice, patience, & practice. Hand quilting is like many other things in life we no longer have to concentrate on to do it. As all have said lots of good video's on YT and practice, practice. I believe Craftsy also has some classes and sometimes they are on sale. I can tell you though alot depends on the batting, and the top. Also if you quilt very close to the ditch or 1/4 inch away from the ditch. But overall, practice is the key. My way of HQ'ng is different than most, So find your comfort zone and don't give up.

I am left-handed and hand quilt toward my body; righties quilt away from themselves. I use a hoop that sits in my lap so I can keep my right hand underneath. Do not have the hoop so tight that you can "bounce a quarter on it." Keep a practice piece to warm up on every time before you start on your "real" quilt. Your fingers and brain will remember the skill after much practice, but always warm up. I have a treasured "Tommie Lane" thimble which never leaves my home. It has a cut out for the fingernail and is my favorite ever thimble. Also, do not obsess about making such tiny stitches at first; concentrate on making them even, even if they look large to you. As you gain experience, your stitches will become smaller. Friends of mine like Roxanne needles, # 10. The do not bend as easily. I prefer John James needles, size 10. Have fun on your journey.

You have some great answers here. I'm self taught also, and taking some time on line with youtube videos is a nice help. So much out there to watch. Stitches will vary as you are starting out, and don't let that worry you. Work on practice pieces. My first project was a king size quilt as a gift. You would laugh at how big my stitches were. It really does get better with practice. Your left hand will be your "eyes" behind the quilt. As you watch the videos, you will see a couple of ways to work you needle. Rock it or poke it. I found that poking the needle through the top, and coming back up through the bottom worked better for me when I started out. I had more control over the fabric. Also, it was tight in a hoop, keeping it flat. Rocking a needle through came later, and you need more slack. Georgia Bonesteel gives great tutorials. Check if your local quilt shop has classes, or a group that you can sit in on and watch. You could also contact a local quilt guild to find if someone will work with you. Feel free to PM me if I can help you in any way. I understand your challenge.

I watched a live demo by The Thimblelady http://www.thimblelady.com/ at the Houston Quilt Festival last week. She doesn't use a hoop, and she doesn't prick her bottom finger. It is worth the time to watch her YouTube. Visit her website for tools and books.