I also think handstitching holds up very well, in fact, in most cases it holds up better than the material. I think the quality of the thread plays a big role in it. I have always used quilting thread and not just the regular thread. It seems a bit heavier, I think. I have some quilts that were handed down to me that are upwards of l00 yrs. old and they are just like the energizer bunny - they just keep on going and going and going. I love to hand quilt.