I'm thinking about doing lap quilting, partly due to lack of space for a frame. We live full time in a 5th wheel and space is at a premium. Has anyone out there tried it, how did you like it, did you encounter any patterns that were not suitable for lap quilting?

no frames for me. Have done many projects in front of the TV and on the road (you have to adjust your needle to the bumps).

Georgia Bonesteel is (was?) the queen of lap quilting, she wrote a couple of books on lap quilting some years back, you might find her helpful if you google her, I think I remember one called "Lap Quilting with Georgia Bonesteel" - good luck!

Teddysmom: I have the book SweetSlumber "lap quilting with Georgia Bonesteel" is talking about and a small standing quilting fr. that can but used on leg or not. that I can sale you if that what you think you would like to do this how did all my quilts until my son made me a big fr.

I hand quilted my profile pic, 103 inches square, in a hoop, in my lap. I managed the bulk by resting it on a chair beside my comfortable seat.

I am lap quilting a twin size now in a round hoop. I manage the bulk by rolling the length and using safety pins to secure and then rolling the other side and pinning. This makes a large square, the bulk compact and managable. I can also get my hand on the underside quite easily now. This is what works for me. Don't be afraid to try different techniques and you will find one that is suited for you. Happy Quilting.

I lap quilt without a hoop. This requires a lot of basting but once you've tried it I bet you never turn to a hoop again....lol!

I also lap quilt without a hoop...just have never been able to get the right tension using a hoop so go without...as long as you baste really well, it works. I even had an expert quilter once comment on how flat my quilt was...and she was surprized when I told her I didn't use a frame or hoop.

I don't use hoops although I do own Georgina's books which I find so complicated, I prefer the newer method name "Quilt as you go" and have done a number of quilts using this method http://www.quilterscache.com/H/howtoquiltoneatatime.html My largest project was this one which I was quite pleased with.

http://inlinethumb14.webshots.com/98...425x425Q85.jpg

What is nice that you can get 2 quilts in one as QAYG are reversible! http://inlinethumb43.webshots.com/30...425x425Q85.jpg

If you google Quilt as you go you will get loads of links and info.

I use a 12 inch hoop on my lap and have done all size quilts with it. Never a problem.

I do hand quilting in the evening - no frame, no thimble. Easy

You sound like my kind of quilter!

Thanks! It sounds like lap quilting is the way to go for me, too. I'll remember to BASTE really well and keep everything flat. Now, I'm really looking forward to starting my next quilt!

I have done lap quilting on mostly small projects.

I did not have to baste the twin size that I am working on now. I purchased June Taylor Quilt Basing Spray from Michael's. I put an old queen size flat sheet on my spare bed. Layered the backing then the batting. Carefully pulled back 1/2 of the batting, sprayed and replaced the batting, carefully smoothing it out. Same procedure for the rest of the batting. Repeated the same process with the top. I have had absolutely had no problem with it slipping. No basting pins or sewing basing lines. Quick and effective.

I made a grandmother's fan quilt. I made each block and just quilted that block until I had all the blocks made then attached them all together. I did find out though that you do not want to quilt all the way to 1/4 inch from the edge, it made it very difficult to add the blocks together, so leave at least 1 inch, and after putting them together go back and finished quilting the edges. You really need to baste the blocks down the middle both ways, and diagonally both ways and also some in between depending on the size of each block. I did use Georgia Bonesteele's method. If you want I can post a picture of my quilt.

I quilt with a 14 in hoop. I am workingon a king size right now. I do like to quilt on a recliner so that my feet and knees are up. I find it easier to quilt that way. A foot stool will also work.

I envy those people who don't use a frame. I may have to try it on a piece this summer.

I'd love to see a picture of the quilt. Thanks for the advice about basting "in all directions". I'm going to practice on some scrap pieces before I start a real quilt. Do you tape the block down, pin the pieces in place and then baste?

COOL! I will try that as of course like any quilting, I hate to spend time basting. :)

QuiltingaddicUK - Thanks for the pics. What a wonderful idea!!!

I use Harry's laptop hoops on my lap when quilting, and I love it since I am able to sit with the family while they watch TV. Even take smaller quilts to baseball games. The hoop sits on your lap so both hands are free and you don't need to brace it on the arm of the chair you're sitting on. Previously I used a floor frame, but didn't like the feeling of isolation having to be in the other room.

So far I've done everything on a 14" hoop, but just did make myself a frame, so will be doing my current project on that (unless I don't like it, then I won't) :)