Any hand quilters out there?
 

I think I am going to try my hand @ hand quilting......
Anyone have any good advice or tips?
I sure would apprecate it ! Michele

There are several who hand quilt on the Board: I did when I first started but don't any longer unless it's an heirloom and ONLY for my family. You'll enjoy doing it, but if you haven't tried it before, the best advice I can give you is to be patient (and forgiving!) with yourself. It takes time to perfect, like anything else worth doing. Good luck!

It can be very relaxing and is something good to do in front of the TV. just be patient.

Focus on stitch consistency first, stitch length can come later. Don't put your quilt in the frame tightly, you need some give in the fabric or it will be extremely difficult to get your stitches in. Take your time and enjoy it.

I hand quilt and do not care for machine or long arm quilting on my pieced quilts. I think that it is a disgrace to machine quilt on somthing that you take all the time to construct. I quilt with a group of quilters that wouldn't do it any other way

Another hand quilter here. And I agree with QuiltMainia. Enjoy the process. It's not a race. Try to get your stitches consistent first. Find a thimble that you find comfortable. Try a few different brands of needles (but all the same size) to see what works best for you. I prefer Roxanne #11's but they are tiny and take some getting used to. Other quilters all have their own preferences. Do your quilting while you're watching TV. I find quilting the perfect mix for me - machine piecing and hand quilting. Love to do hand work. Find it very relaxing.

Enjoy the process knowing that depending on the size quilt it could take months/years to complete, hence Momto5's comment about heirloom/family. I love hand quilting but I am also practicing fmq for quilts I want done and out quickly!

Another hand quilter here. Even stitches more important than size. Try tiger tape to follow lines. Most often I use thread to stitch, sometimes one strand embroidery floss or perle cotton for texture.

I use to and I found it relaxing.

I'm a passionated hand quilter for more than 20 years and the main thing I found out for me is how important it is to find one's own way of handquilting. There are many opportunities to get a good result. Some quilters use a frame or hoop, others do not. Some use a thimble, others don't. Some need a longer needle, others a short one. What works best for you can be bad for somebody else. Just give it a try! You will find many good tips here on the board.