I'm fairly new to quilting. I've made 2 quilts in the last 30 years. The first was a triple irish chain when I was 25, I was a stay at home mom then. The second one was a log cabin which took 20 years to complete because I went back to school and then to work. Neither one did I quilt myself, I sent it out to be done. Now that I'm retired I want to get back into quilting. I would love to do the hand quilting myself this time. Before I tackle a full quilt I've been trying out different quilting stitches on pot holders that I made. My problem is that when I bring my needle up vertically to catch the next stitch it bends. My grandmother who taught me the basics of quilting when I was 6 always said to quilt with between needles so thats what I'm using. Are my needles crap or am I doing something wrong? Please help. Grandma and my mom are no longer with us for me to ask and my two sisters are useless.

Just some ideas I mite throw at you. Are you using regular quilting needles. They make needles for quilting. They are shorter, I don't know for a fact that they are stronger, but I'm assuming they are. Since we're going through 3 thickness's. Also is your quilt frame to taught, If not using quilting needles, are the needles your using to long? Some people can't use quilting needles because they suffer from arthritis in their hands, or eyesight is poor. So they use a longer needle. I don't suffer from these aliments (Yet). However I use a longer needle because I feel uncomfortable using the quilting needles. Again it may be the quality of needle that you are using. Maybe try another Brand and I'm sure they are alittle bit more expensive. These are some of my ideas. When in dout go on the board and ask Boo. She's full of info. Good Luck and Happy Quilting.

Hey Becky, thanks for your reply. I am using a quilting size 8 needle, 1 1/8 inch long, nickel plated by the Coats & Clark company. I'm quilting in an 8 inch hoop. I'll try loosening the material a bit. Thanks.

Debbie

Sounds as tho your needles are fine, I did'nt even know they made quilting needles that long. I'm leaning more towards your 8" hoop. Since you don't pull your piece to taught, dose that help? How big is the piece that your using the hoop for? When I hand quilt I have a hoop thats oblong, it's 26"x19", I always use that hoop for my quilts. Maybe if your piece is large you need to use a bigger hoop. Please let me know if that helps.

I think the needles are too long.
kathy

Kathy, how long should my needles be? The one I'm using is 1 and 1/8 inches long. Do they come shorter.

I meant to check mine when I was home last night. I don't think there even an inch, maybe barely. I know they're barely enough and two stitches is all I get do at a time but they don't bend. I'll try to remember to check tonight.
kathy

Thanks Kathy. This site is so great. I get answers right away from people with experience. Other sites I've been on take days for an answer. You guys are wonderfull.

OK Debbie, mine are clover #9 goldeye quilting betweens and they're exactly 1" long. When I'm on a seam it's pretty thick so they're really in a bind and I haven't had one bend yet. Maybe you're just too strong! LOL
kathy