Originally Posted by Dutchgirl
First of all thanks for all the advice! To answer some of the questions...
I am using an 80/20 batting (cotton/poly). Perhaps it is too thick??
I have no idea what kind of needle I am using. It is a longer one so I will try a shorter one and see if that helps.
I do go "straight down" for the first stitch but seem to have a really hard time tilting the needle up to get it to poke through all the layers to the top - maybe this is the batting being too thick??
I do poke through the bottom and feel the tip of the needle on the underside but have a really hard time moving the top needle to get the needle back up through the fabric.
Any insights and helpful hints are greatly appreciated!! THANKS!!
You can actually get hand quilting needles. I like to use a size 10 myself. They are a very small, perhaps a 1 inch length needle. The smaller the needle the better your stitches.
As for you "going straight down for the first sitch but seem to have a hard time tilting the needle up..." are you using a thimble?? this really helps to get your needle up. Also use the non quilting hand and place it under your quilt and hoop. Use one of your fingers (either your index or middle) to help push the needle back up. When the needle goes straight down, once you feel the tip of the needle on your finger under your quilt help to push it with that finger and your thimble finger to the top. I hope that makes sense :)