Here is a pic of the hand quilting I am doing for the Airplane Quilt. I just wanted to check with you folks to see if I am doing this good enough. My aunt who taught me to do it is 85, and it looks like she isn't going to be able to travel to see my work anymore.

I'm averaging about 5-7 stitches per inch, and I am not sure if that is close enough, or if my stitches are even enough. I am doing better on this one than my first quilt, though.

These blocks are 4" square, if that gives you a clue as to the size.

I have some pictures of old quilting, and it looks a lot closer together, tinier, than mine. Am I just imagining things?

We are entering into our busiest season at my work, and I can't go to the LQS right now, and I can't get this into my car anyway. I've got it in my frame. Any advice would be most appreciated.

Wow!! I am not an expert, but, if I could quilt like that I would be a very happy quilter!!! Looks great to me!!! :D :D :D

I believe that consistency is more important than a specific number per inch. The smaller stitches will come with practice.

I am no expert either, but looks great to me... Wish I could do half as well :mrgreen:
Sharon

That looks very good. :D The evenness of the stitches is as important, maybe even more important, than the size. I've seen ones where the stitches are deliberately large but VERY even and it looks good.

The smaller stitches come with time and experience and I would work on being consistent first. I do 8 stitches per inch and still have trouble sometimes keeping them even.

Hi Motomom
I'm not an expert either, but your work is lovely. It looks fine enough and even enough, that anyone would be proud of it. As time goes on, your hands will get used to what your mind is trying to do and they will come around and make it easier.
Be sure your Aunt gets pictures when you finish.
Pam in WV

Wow I hand quilt all my quilts and am in no way an expert or even nearly as good as you! That looks great!

Agrees with Upnorth I only wish my stitches were that small and even.
Looks awesome you're doing great. :)

Wow...I would say..keep moving forward. I think you are doing just great. Consistancy is much more important than size. That looks good. :lol:

I do all of my stitching by hand and I think you're doing a beautiful job. With hand piecing, I get at least 12 to16 stitches per inch, but 8 to 12 is more reasonable for quilting. One determining factor in the sizes of stitches, I find, is the size of the needles.. not just the length, but the diameter too. As the others have said, consistency is important and yours is absolutely lovely.
I've seen quilts on sale in shops allegedly done by "professionals" that were not nearly as well done as yours.. some real toe hangers let me tell you. Anyone should be proud to have a bit of your work. If you're not totally pleased with it, just keep working. It will get even better as you go on.