While I love hand quilting, I am not able to do it anymore due to RA. I send mine out and pay a pretty penny to have them quilted, but I make sure that the machine quilter knows not to over quilt it. The gal I use does beautiful heirloom quality quilting and has been featured quilter in Portland a number of times at various shows. It is up to the owner of the quilt to make it known what she wants on her quilt. Just my opinion. Jan