I have 2 old quilt tops that I want to hand quilt. I will be quilting them on a quilting hoop. I need to start from the middle and work toward the edges. What type of pattern should I use in order to keep the antique look for these quilts? I thought of a clamshell, but I am not sure if I this pattern can be successfully quilted from the middle outward. Any help with patterns would be welcome.

Which patchwork patterns do the quilts have? A very "traditional" quilting pattern is outlining all patches 1/4 inch apart each seam.

It is difficult to know how to quilt it without seeing the patterns.

Anyone who reads this thread can take BorntoHandQuilt's suggestions...if you saw her handquilting, you would agree without hesitation. Andrea, you do awesome hand quilting!

I totally agree with jljack and take whatever advise BorntoHandQuilt gives you. She does the ultimate breathtaking hand quilting. You should do a search of her at the top and check out pics of some of her work. Also, it is very difficult to give good advise without seeing a picture. I'd post a pic if I were you in order to get the best advise. Besides, I want to see them, lol.

The quilt top is a like a string quilt with random bits of fabric. I guess that she used old clothes and whatever she had on hand. The quilt tops belong to my d in law. She got them from her great grandma's family and they mean a lot to her. They were probably pieced in the 30's, judging by the fabric. They are both hand pieced. I do not know how to post a picture, but learning that is next on my list of things to do. Thanks for the advice. I think that I will quilt it around each pieced, or perhaps just a cross hatch.

I did pull up the work by BorntoHandQuilt. Wow! Her work is over the top. I have been hand quilting for years, and I will never reach that level. Thanks for letting me know about her work.