annthreecats

Found an educational hand quilting video on you tube. I've learned a lot from you tube videos. This one demonstrates the quilter's knot and rocking the needle. Here's the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVO3R7KBo84

jitkaau

Once you get the rocking motion, you will be fine. It doesn't happen overnight for a lot of people. Some people use a spoon underneath in order to stop the bloodshed...

nanna-up-north

So sorry to hear of your struggles..... I remember having some of the same problems when I first started hand quilting. I went to my LQS to get some tips..... they were so helpful.

Quilt-Till-U-Wilt

I hate the Q-snap frame. I use a 14 inch wooden one. Try to find a used one. The newer ones aren't made well. Use a longer needle until you get the hang of it and maybe do one stitch at a time. Do you embroider. If you've ever made a french knot you can make the quilting knot the same way.

Wingsofjoy

You might try using a wooden hoop instead of the snap frame. I tried a snap frame and also a plastic hoop one time. I hated them! It was hard to get the material how I wanted it. I was frustrated with it just like you. I don't consider myself and expert since I have only been hand quilting for about two years now. But I have learned a lot by trial and error. (Lots of errors.) LOL! Like you I didn't have anyone to teach me. I learned from watching quilting shows and youtube videos. Most people I have talked to had trouble getting the fabric to rock at first. Don't worry so much about that. Just start quilting and it will come automatically with time. Just remember the rocking of the material is really done more by lifting the fabric with the hand underneath the fabric. The more you use the thimble the less awkward it will be. Try different fingers to see which one is more comfortable. Most people don't quilt with their thumb but I do. It's a little different because you quilt away from you instead of towards. Like you I tried doing the quilters knot like they showed on youtube and I couldn't do it either. I don't know if the quilters knot is actually better. I just try to make a small clean knot and it works fine for me. I hope you won't get discouraged. I think the more you do it the easier it will become. It really is a joy to quilt once you get use to it.

Holice

What size needle are you using?
Hate to say it but I believe your frame is part of the problem, especially for the beginning quilter as it is difficult to get it adjusted just right. You need flexibility in the layers and it is difficult to get it in the way the frame works.
I have always had difficulty getting the wooden frame to hold the layer consistant.
I like the 14" no slip hoop available at stores and shops. The way the inside of the ring is constructed allows the layer to remain constant when you get it set. Many of my students switch when they have a class with this hoop.
A coupon makes it more reasonable price.

I will put the sandwich in the hoop, smooth and make it really tight and then loosen it so I have the flexibility needed to get easy stitching.

Also, the suggestion above is to do only one stitch at the time. Don't try to fill the needle when you first start.
The important thing is to get the needle thru the layers and back up in a consistent way.

Start paracting with1/8" gingham check (an only find blends now) but will give you lines and spaces to work on. And in practice use a constracting thread so you can see your stitches.