No frame/no hoop ??????
#21
I have a marvelous wooden frame and several hoops ... all money wasted because I learned I need the freedom of hand quilting with no frame or hoop. During the cold time of year, I do what others do and sit under the quilt while I stitch, so I save the small and awkward to-be-quilted areas for the winter. The large straight lines (grids, mostly) I do during the rest of the year while the quilt sits on one end of my large cutting table; the table not only supports the weight of the quilt, but is a good height for me.
#22
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Horse Country, FL
Posts: 7,341
My 84 year old mother hand quilts with her grandmother's hoop (true!!!) and sits in her recliner to quilt with the arms as support for the quilting similar to one of the first posts on this thread.
#23
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 1,918
I don't use a hoop of any kind or a frame. I have hand quilted a queen and king quilt with no problems. I baste well and keep it smoothed out as I go. It is just easier for me to not use a hoop. As far as stitches per inch I just do the best I can and it looks nice especially after it is washed. Just saying!
#24
OK, I'll admit it, I hand quilt because I don't know how to machine quilt. I purchased a hoop but like many, just can't get used to it. I saw a video about hoopless quilting and that was it for me. I was given permission to do what I prefer and I love it. If I needed perfect stitches, I would not use batting. I make my quilts to be used, never will they be considered show pieces!!
#25
Once again I just have to say how much I love this board. Everyone is so laid back. We all give each other (and ourselves) permission to do what we love the way that works for us!
I have not done a whole lot of hand quilting, but I do enjoy handwork and hope to try more in the future. I have tried with and without a hoop and still haven't decided which I like best. I bought a quilting hoop that fits in a universal stand that I bought years ago for cross stitch and hand embroidery. I sort of think my stitches look better in the hoop than out of it. I tried various hoops just in my lap and found it awkward to keep the hoop positioned while stitching. I've tried just the basted quilt without any hoop at all and that was more comfortable but then my stitches were very irregular. I think I need to just keep practicing and trying different methods till I find what works.
Two things I have decided for sure: 1) I have to use a thimble even though I don't normally use one for hand-sewing, and 2) I prefer to thread-baste the layers for hand quilting rather than use pins. My thread always wants to catch on the safety pins as I'm quilting.
I have not done a whole lot of hand quilting, but I do enjoy handwork and hope to try more in the future. I have tried with and without a hoop and still haven't decided which I like best. I bought a quilting hoop that fits in a universal stand that I bought years ago for cross stitch and hand embroidery. I sort of think my stitches look better in the hoop than out of it. I tried various hoops just in my lap and found it awkward to keep the hoop positioned while stitching. I've tried just the basted quilt without any hoop at all and that was more comfortable but then my stitches were very irregular. I think I need to just keep practicing and trying different methods till I find what works.
Two things I have decided for sure: 1) I have to use a thimble even though I don't normally use one for hand-sewing, and 2) I prefer to thread-baste the layers for hand quilting rather than use pins. My thread always wants to catch on the safety pins as I'm quilting.
#26
From a very experienced hand quilter: My favorite way to hand quilt is with my large floor frame. (I posted pictures of it on here awhile back.) And I have tried hoops and no hoops. With a hoop (a I do use one if I want to travel with a quilt), I like to sit where I can prop the edge of the hoop resting on a table or something so I'm not having to hold up the whole weight of the quilt. One advantage of a hoop is you can turn it so you can quilt loops and circles easily by rotating the hoop. Make sure your quilt is not stretched too tightly in a hoop. It should not be saggy, but loose enough to easily stitch. I find no hoop at all to be extremely difficult for more than just taking a few stitches that I discover I've missed after I get a quilt out of the frame. But my high school Home Ec. teacher and her mom and sisters did all their quilting on their laps, no hoops, and didn't care for any other way. My conclusion...whatever works well for you is the correct way! In S. Alabama, there are very few months in the year I want a hot quilt wrapped around me! The advantage of my floor frame is no basting is needed! And it's very inexpensive and easy to make one.
#27
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Saskatoon SK Canada
Posts: 280
Several of you have amazed me. I love hand quilting and have several frames (floor to different shapes of hoops). I personally cannot imagine hand quilting without a frame or hoop and I know I would make a mess of it. I have a friend who does not use a hoop and she does beautiful quilting. Isn't it interesting how everyone has their own talents and techniques, but we all manage to create masterpieces. I think we all need to try different techniques until we find what works best for us.
I do envy those who can hand quilt without any apparatus.
Aileen
I do envy those who can hand quilt without any apparatus.
Aileen
#28
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Southeast Georgia
Posts: 2,526
I have only handquilted on a frame or a large quilting hoop. My question is: has anyone ever used those little plastic things (like the ones that hold tags on clothes), only the ones for holding layers together are not as long......they are applied with a little "gun". That is what I use to hold the sandwich before quilting....here is a hint on applying....I bought one of those lite panels for drop ceilings..the one that is a small grid....and place the quilt on top and then shoot thru the holes........enought height so needle goes straight thru without marking whatever table you are working on. Before that I would hand baste the layers down....But I must confess, I have not h/q for several years....now l/a, but I am thinking this winter after the holiday I will re-assemble my pvc frame and do one of my many tops......just for the practice and I loved the relaxation of the handquilting process....I can set up right in front of the tv in family room and w/ott light be a happy camper.
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Alabama
Posts: 312
Ladibug
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post