Thread for Big Stitch Hand Quilting Question
#1
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Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: West Texas
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Thread for Big Stitch Hand Quilting Question
I am getting ready to hand quilt a shadow box quilt and want to try the "big stitch" method. I have crochet thread to use, but I also found a spool of upholstery thread that feels like the right weight to me. I am looking for opinions as to its suitability and opinions about other possibilities of thread for this project.
BTW, I am considering using a wool batt for this quilt.
Thanks!
BTW, I am considering using a wool batt for this quilt.
Thanks!
#3
#5
i recently did some hand quilting with perle cotton.
if you are a handquilter, you are probably going to find it difficult to adjust your stitch length. my perle cotton stitches ended up being pretty close to my hand quilting stitch length. the body just remembers.
i also had a hell of a time with needles. perle cotton is thicker, but you need a nice sharp needle. the combination of a larger eye and a sharp point meant a longer needle, which was pretty hard to get used to. it didn;t go a whole lot faster, but the stitching is certainly more visible.
needling the newer wool bats is a dream. i love it.
not sure i would use upholstery thread. i think i'd be worried about it tearing my cottons. maybe. not sure. test it out and see how it lies
aileen
if you are a handquilter, you are probably going to find it difficult to adjust your stitch length. my perle cotton stitches ended up being pretty close to my hand quilting stitch length. the body just remembers.
i also had a hell of a time with needles. perle cotton is thicker, but you need a nice sharp needle. the combination of a larger eye and a sharp point meant a longer needle, which was pretty hard to get used to. it didn;t go a whole lot faster, but the stitching is certainly more visible.
needling the newer wool bats is a dream. i love it.
not sure i would use upholstery thread. i think i'd be worried about it tearing my cottons. maybe. not sure. test it out and see how it lies
aileen
#6
This video was helpful to me. http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2013/01/.../?SSAID=389818
I've used the Perle cotton and it's worked beautifully. I have only done the big stitch quilting, so I didn't have to unlearn anything.
I've used the Perle cotton and it's worked beautifully. I have only done the big stitch quilting, so I didn't have to unlearn anything.
#7
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Piedmont Virginia in the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mtns.
Posts: 8,562
I do both stitches in handquilting. I use perle cotton balls, crochet thread in 10 wt., 12wt. Sulky cotton thread, and occasionally Sashiko thread if I can find it.
I have only used heavy threads like upholstery thread for sewing on buttons. I still have a spool of black surgical thread I use occasionally for coat buttons, too! That stuff is sturdy, somewhat stiff, glazed, and likely to be around until the end of time! But I'd never use it or upholstery/rug/leather/other similar threads for handquilting because I'd worry about the stitches eventually cutting my fabric.
Wax your cotton threads with bees wax from Joanns and pinch the end of the thread to get it thru the needle. I look for needles with a larger eye, not quilting betweens usually.
Jan in VA
I have only used heavy threads like upholstery thread for sewing on buttons. I still have a spool of black surgical thread I use occasionally for coat buttons, too! That stuff is sturdy, somewhat stiff, glazed, and likely to be around until the end of time! But I'd never use it or upholstery/rug/leather/other similar threads for handquilting because I'd worry about the stitches eventually cutting my fabric.
Wax your cotton threads with bees wax from Joanns and pinch the end of the thread to get it thru the needle. I look for needles with a larger eye, not quilting betweens usually.
Jan in VA
#10
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Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: West Texas
Posts: 2,073
Progress report: I am using the perle cotton, and it looks great! I am working with a quilting hoop instead of a frame, and it is a little awkward, but I will probably get used to it. Right now my only problem is how difficult it is to put the thread through when going through a seam. I will try a small pliers on my next round.
I am using the Hobbs wool batt, and it is wonderful. I pre-soaked it to avoid the crinkled look. It survived that process and dried quickly on the tile floor. It was not difficult to sandwich the quilt.
I am using the Hobbs wool batt, and it is wonderful. I pre-soaked it to avoid the crinkled look. It survived that process and dried quickly on the tile floor. It was not difficult to sandwich the quilt.
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