Originally Posted by Janan

I have finished the quilt top of my 99 year old mother-in-law's SBS. Now I need quilting advise.

It has been recommended that I hand quilt so to keep the vintage look so I have been studying online different hand quilting techniques and I want your advise!


First, what thread should I use? I posted a picture showing the backing along with some Aurifil 50 weight thread in pretty colors. But I read that I should use 12 weight thread. I've also read posts about Perle cotton thread. If I could get away with using what I already have, that would be great. Suggestions?

Second, should I use a variety of colors or just stick with a white the shade of the dolls background fabric. I don't want to detract from the dolls, but it might be fun to enhance the dolls with color. I know I will get a variety of opinions, but bring them on!

Third, should I quilt around the dolls, quilt 1/4 inch inside the seams, or both?

Fourth, I posted a picture of the quilt top with the purple showing as binding. I also posted a picture of the top with just the yellow border. I have enough fabric of both the purple and the yellow for binding. Which do you like?

Side note: The 90 year old crochet lace you see has not been sewn down yet. I just laid it out like I intend to do it. I will also anchor the lace with buttons from my deceased mother's button box in the corners. This will be a family heirloom passed down to our 9 year old grandaughter when she is old enough, (maybe 90 or so, lol)

I've never done this, so I look forward to your advise.

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