Thread: Hand quilting without a frame?

I also have many issues with hand quilting/frames/hoops/Aunt Becky. I make good hand quilting progress with the quilt weight supported on my cutting table ... which is great for sewing long lines, like grid work. In the cool months, it comes off my cutting table and I sit underneath the quilt-in-progress to do the small areas that are awkward (but not impossible) to do when the quilt is on the table. This has worked well for me for many years. When I need my cutting table for other things, the QIP is easily removed and then put back again.

I hand quilt certain quilts that just need hand quilting & never used a hoop. Large or small it is on my lap!!

I have done very little hand quilting of quilts because of my carpal tunnel syndrome - too many years as a secretary. However, I did quilt my DD's full size quilt, I can't even remember the pattern now, and that's the only one. I sat at my former dining room table, which had been moved to my basement sewing room, and since it was summer, had a fan under the table to keep me cool, I used a large hoop, but it was supported on the table, with my cat Mischief occasionally trying to catch the needle. I had seen someone hand quilt without using a hoop, and I actually did a couple small quilts using that method and I liked it a lot. To all you hand quilters out there I applaud you, but it's just not something I can do.

I love to see hand quilting and have quilted two large quilts by hand but I do mostly machine quilting now. I agree with everyone that you do whatever way is more enjoyable and comfortable for you.

Originally Posted by JNCT14

I have tried for years to do hand quilting, trying different kinds of frames and hoops. No matter what method I have tried, it makes my wrist ache outrageously and I have had to stop. I got pretty good at FMQ but I am working on an orphan block quilt and the designs will require too many stops and starts on my machine. I am thinking about using the method to quilt a large quilt on a domestic machine - cutting the batting into thirds and basting a section at a time, then quilting each section on my lap. This will allow me to puddle the fabric without bulk so I can maintain the tension. Has anyone tried this or have any other ideas?

I have not used this method except for small sections as a quilt as you go. However, a member of my group always quilts by hand without a hoop. She has good results and seems to treat the quilting as an embroidery. She does a small section at a time and then moves onto the next, and does not do more than a light basting to keep the sandwich together.

lynnie.....Oh my gosh girl, your post flabberghasted me!!!! "300 quilts" you did by hand and never used a hoop. Wow what an accomplishment. What do you do in your sparetime? LOL