I think the consistancy is more important than the number per inch. That said, I think I remember reading here somewhere a good goal would be 8-10 per inch. 12 that was mentioned here earlier seems impossible to me, I can get about 5-6, but still working on being consistent. I really enjoyed hand quilting, but am really new and slow. When we were in Lancaster one of the ladies that had a shop in her home, demonstrated for me and made it look SO EASY. She was a sweetheart and very patient with me and encouraging. We can just keep practicing.