I am about ready to start hand quilting my first Quilted Quilt and have a few questions:

I do not have a quilt frame yet so I will be quilting a full size quilt on 2 kitchen tables place together long ways. I have basted with about 60+ quilt safety pins and rolled as I went. And I plan on doing the stitch in the ditch.

Is there a special needle I need to use?( I have quilting thread)

Do you suggest single quilting thread or double?

Also do you suggest small stitches or larger ones?

Thanks for your help in advance!

I will post pics when finished

Cathy

I use between needle (very short) size 10 or 11. Single Thread. The size of the stitch is up to you. Even stitches is more important over size. I use a large hoop (lap quilt)
some quilters do not use any kind of hoop or frame. Find what works best for you.

Keep us posted on your progress.:)

if you have never hand quilted then I suggest a #8 between to start with. As you become more confident then go to smaller needles. I also suggest the book "How to Learn Hand Quilting in A Day" (and practice the rest of your life) by Nancy Brennan-Daniels. However, if you are not using a frame or hoop, then stitch like you would a running stitch. You need to be able to get your hand under the quilt to help guide the needle.

Between needles #10 -11, single thread, and I've always used a hoop. Tiny stiches. I think it's much easier to control your fabric. And start in the middle of the quilt and work outwards. I haven't done hand quilting in a while, but I may just have to get back to it. I really love the look of hand quilting.

I would have to lay it all the way out, right?

Which directions do I go from the center? Remember I am doing the stitch in the ditch.

Thanks

Even stitch in a ditch, you should start in the center, and if you use a hoop, just do all the quilting in that area, move the hoop over or up from any point. Then when you are done with that area, go back and just keep making that center quilting bigger and bigger. I always just had it bunched in my lap, as long as you have it basted or pinned, it isn't going anywhere.

I mostly only hand-quilt-it will be easier if you can get a hoop (maybe borrow one-or you can pick them up for not too much money at a discount craft/fabric shop. I like a manageable size of about 14 inches. Next, there is a special coated hand-quilting thread which is a little thicker and firmer than regular thread, which I think is much easier to work with-and it is stronger so less likely to break or knot up. Shorter "between" needles are usually used for hand-quilting-the smaller the number (ie: 8) are longer for beginners. Make sure what ever size you decide to make your stitches, that they are uniformily the same throughout the quilt. Also, it helps if you keep your strands of thread no longer than about 16-18" long. Single strand only. Be sure to hide the knot by popping it thru the quilt top and batting only (not the backing). Good luck!

For your quilting stitches eveness in length is much more important than trying to do very tiny stitches. It's the first time you try hand quilting, so take your time to practice it and don't aim for too tiny stitches. Maybe it is hard for you at the beginning. Look for eveness - your stitch lenght will probably change when time goes by.

Thanks everyone! I started the hand quilting yesterday but the ripped it out and started quilting with my sewing machine. Not sure what it will look like when I am done, crossing figures it will look ok (was shooting for really good but ok is fine)