When I hand quilt, it is essential for me to have an armrest under my right elbow. Since I am right handed. No hoop, two thimbles, one on top one on bottom. However, I do not not use bottom thimble until my finger gets sore. Doing a slash stitch in my recliner is relaxing. Floor frame quilting is how I was taught to quilt, and there I do the rocking stitch almost exclusively.
There are so many factors involved with hand stitching. For me, after it is sandwiched, ready to quilt, the needle, thread, thimble, lighting all have to be just right. Recently, I used some top stitching thread (30 wt) on a quilt and loved it.
Yes, I have a favorite thimble...it seems to be shaped to my finger since I have used it so long. It is marked with nail polish. I discovered not long ago, when I used my bottom thimble and rocking stitch, I was blunting my needle, so I have to be mindful of that.
I use overhead lights, clamp on light anything that w I'll brighten up my work area.
Sometimes, my results are best when I stitch in automatic....relaxed.
Finally, when I want to achieve very tiny even stitches, it is easier to do so with a thin batting.
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