Hand quilting without a frame?
10-25-2014, 06:44 AM
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Tri-Cities, Washington
Posts: 757
Originally Posted by JNCT14
Here is the orphan block top that I would like to hand quilt. I like the ironing board idea and will try it.
10-25-2014, 12:21 PM
#26
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Lowell, MA
Posts: 14,083
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.
10-25-2014, 01:19 PM
#27
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Winchester, Tn.
Posts: 1,522
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.
10-25-2014, 01:42 PM
#28
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
Posts: 7,695
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?
10-25-2014, 02:40 PM
#29
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Australia
Posts: 4,116
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?
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