Originally Posted by Laura3
Hinterland....
I was wondering if you could explain a little more about the netting? Once you trace the pattern on to the netting what are you marking on the quilt with? Also....I have always used a hoop when I hand quilt, how difficult is it to not have the quilt pulled smooth and tight and just hold it ? Is there any trick to it? I tried it once, but only for about 5 seconds and then quit and went back to the hoop..
Any suggestions would be appreciated...Laura
Laura, once I have the pattern on the netting, I pin it to the quilt and trace using chalk pencils. I can use Prismacolor pencils, but they don't transfer as clearly. Once I have the pattern traced, I go over the marks without the netting - that makes them dark enough to see.
I do have to be careful not to distort the pattern - the netting isn't stable and can stretch a bit if I have to reuse it for a border. I don't think my borders ever come out exactly the same on all 4 sides, but they're close enough.
This method does allow me to transfer a complicated design without spending as much time making templates as quilting would take!
As for quilting without a hoop, I've never done it. I use a floor frame, and a hoop for small projects. I like the frame because it's sturdy and I don't have to balance the hoop while I try to make stitches.