need hand quilting basics
#1
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Eureka, MO
Posts: 77
I have never hand quilted before. I made the baby pinwheel quilt for my soon to be grandchild and the white fabric used in the border and background blocks stretched. Tried a row of machine quilting and it is terrible. I think the only alternative is to quilt it by hand. What do I need to know? I don't think I have time to do anything more than just outline an X in each block because I made it an oversize baby quilt. Any suggestions for a novice?
#3
Originally Posted by L8quilter
I have never hand quilted before. I made the baby pinwheel quilt for my soon to be grandchild and the white fabric used in the border and background blocks stretched. Tried a row of machine quilting and it is terrible. I think the only alternative is to quilt it by hand. What do I need to know? I don't think I have time to do anything more than just outline an X in each block because I made it an oversize baby quilt. Any suggestions for a novice?
Hand quilting ~ needs ~ hoop, quilting needles, and hand quilting thread. Most of all you need patience ;)
You can find help from videos on you tube. Just search 'hand quilting'
Good luck
#4
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 5,570
You can also hand quilt without a hoop. You need to make sure it's well basted either with pins or thread. I try to put pins (or thread baste) about a hand-width apart in each direction. Quilting betweens are the needles to use. Smaller the needle number/size = larger needle. I started with a #9 and now use either #11 or #12. I am self taught with the help of Simply Quilts and Alex Anderson on TV at the time. I would agree with checking youtube video's just to get a visual for what people are talking about when you have questions. And yes, a hand-quilting thread is necessary as well and thimbles will be your best friends to not have the resultant pincushion fingers.
You also have the option of tying the quilt if you decide. Use 6 strands of embroidery floss, about 8" in length. Again, about a hand-width apart, take a small stitch through all three layers. Make sure your thread ends are relatively even and tie a knot. Trim ends to desired length as it's a baby quilt.
Good luck and enjoy.
You also have the option of tying the quilt if you decide. Use 6 strands of embroidery floss, about 8" in length. Again, about a hand-width apart, take a small stitch through all three layers. Make sure your thread ends are relatively even and tie a knot. Trim ends to desired length as it's a baby quilt.
Good luck and enjoy.
#6
Originally Posted by L8quilter
I have never hand quilted before. I made the baby pinwheel quilt for my soon to be grandchild and the white fabric used in the border and background blocks stretched. Tried a row of machine quilting and it is terrible. I think the only alternative is to quilt it by hand. What do I need to know? I don't think I have time to do anything more than just outline an X in each block because I made it an oversize baby quilt. Any suggestions for a novice?
#7
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Location: Brady TX
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#9
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Eureka, MO
Posts: 77
Thanks everyone for your tips. I was talking to someone at school and she suggested tying the quilt. I think that I could handle that and have it done in time. Perhaps some summer I will try some hand quilting. I am not sure I am patient enough to be successful at it. I think with the tying I won't have so much trouble with the stretching. Have a great rest of the week. I'm looking forward to the weekend so I can get started tying. :-D
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