Today I worked on quilting my first hand quilted project (aside from a potholder). I don't know, I wanted to do the hand quilting to learn a new technique and because everyone says how relaxing it can be, but I don't feel good about how it's coming out. I want smaller, more even stitches and it just seems like it is physically impossible for me.

On the one hand, I feel like of course it isn't relaxing, the first day. I had to keep looking up tutorials and stuff, and even had some in-person demonstration from DH's grandma. I find knitting incredibly relaxing, but when I first started it drove me nuts, so this is probably the same.

On the other hand, I just want some tips and encouragement, so please, help me out!

BTW - the colors are SO different than these pics show. The back is BLUE, not green, and the border around the animal panel is pastel purple.

I think you're doing great! Looks nice for the first time!

I think your quilting looks real good! Don't be so hard on yourself!

If this is your first try, cut yourself some slack.
Looks better than what I did on my first whole quilt.
Even now, the one I am hand quilting, the stitches are uneven.
I find if I put it down for a week and come back, I struggle getting small stitches again.
SO I quilt a little here, a little there and hope it all blends in.

The thickness and the fabric all pay a part in how easy or hard it is...

If this is your first try, cut yourself some slack.
Looks better than what I did on my first whole quilt.
Even now, the one I am hand quilting, the stitches are uneven.
I find if I put it down for a week and come back, I struggle getting small stitches again.
SO I quilt a little here, a little there and hope it all blends in.

the thickness and the fabric all pay a part in how easy or hard it is...

Kudos to you for trying! Your first attempt is much better than mine was. Please do not give up. The more you do... the easier it gets.....and more relaxing.

I found this video very helpful and inspiring: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVXSGob_lKo.

Keep on keeping on girlfriend!

Thank you, everybody.

I think the flannel backing makes it a little harder. I did a little test sandwich and thought "Oh, it'll be okay", but now I'm kind of wishing I'd chosen something else. However, it is a baby quilt and the flannel will be nice and cozy.

It seems like i'll get better for a little bit, then I take a break and come back and the stitches are all long and messed up again.

With being your first hand quilting project you have done great. It will get easier to do. Just like everything else, practice on small projects first.

Well, welcome to the "practicing stage," Butterfly! That's what I've been doing too. My hand is having a problem - doesn't want to cooperate where I want the stitches to go. My 7YO recently wanted me to show her how to quilt. Of course, she has to hold the needle the best she can at her age. I pulled out a sample piece with a design of diamonds in dots. After a few minutes, she got the hang of it and got that needle exactly in the center of each dot (down and up through the fabric. It has helped me too to visualize the actual size of the stitches I want. May feel elementary for you, but might be good visual training. Good luck, to you and me!

I know what you mean...I tried a quick test sandwich to see if it was plausible for me to hand quilt something for my grandmother...it wasn't pretty (I say that as a quilter, looking for nice pretty stitches...my 5yo thought it was awesome - it was just a heart stitched into a charm sized sandwich...LOL). I'm sure it's one of those things that just comes with practice. We'll both get there eventually. I might make myself a table runner or something and use that for practice - big enough to take some time and really give me practice...small enough to not be overwhelming and make me feel like I will never finish it...and not something I'll be super concerned that it will fall apart from use. LOL