hand piecing as strong as machine piecing?
#31
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: West Virginia
Posts: 2,316
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.
#32
I agree I have salvaged pieces from an 1800's log cabin quilt and it's the fabric that deterioted before the stiches. When I have collected enough fabrics to make a crazy quilt wall hanging I intend to hand quilt the entire quilt.
#34
I think hand quilting is a strong as machine. You use a heavier thread when you do it. I made my son a hand quilted quilt when he was 2 years old and he is still using it. He's 24. It's been on his bed all this time. He even took it to college with him.
#36
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Cypress, Texas by the way of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Posts: 155
Hand piecing is just fine. The reason you back stitch is if the thread should break it will only come apart 2 or 3 threads. I was taught never to start at the beginning of a seam or at the very end because this is the weakest point. I use a single thread. Never had any problems with thread breaking. Fabric will wear out before that will happen. And, I double dare you to rip out a seam. You must remember, after the top is quilted, there is no stress or pulling on your seams. So machine, or hand piecing...do what you prefer and worry not!
Donna
Donna
#38
I hand pieced most of mine over the years. Never had any that came apart. you use a single thread but everytime you start a new needle full you take a back stitch. end with an extra few stitches in place. Holds fine. We still have quilts that my husband's grandmother made all hand pieced and they are still going strong. some of the materials are not faring quite as well.
#39
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
i am sure my hand piecing is just as strong as my machine quilting since it depends on the strength of the thread being used. i use good quality strong threads and i make tiny stitches. i have had machine stitching come out with time...i have never had my hand stitching come out.
many people piece quilts (and make other things) by hand...they hold up for decades...hundreds of years...the strength depends on the materials used...not necessarily the techniques used
many people piece quilts (and make other things) by hand...they hold up for decades...hundreds of years...the strength depends on the materials used...not necessarily the techniques used
#40
Originally Posted by Hinterland
It probably isn't as strong as machine piecing. However, I have a quilt on my bed with hand pieced blocks. It's now over 10 years old, and the stitching has held up just fine.
Janet
Janet
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