deemail

i prefer to lap quilt with no hoop or frame, but just realize that we must baste fairly closely for this to work well.... and if you turn the backing over the edge while basting, it will be much more comfortable as the batting will not wear away or scratch you while working. (If i don't have enough, I just tear strips of muslin and fold over the edges, baste till i reach the edges and then remove.....

Please check with your local longarmers, most will baste in 6" squares for handquilters for a nominal fee...i charge 35 dollars, that is for mounting, basting and removing.... lots of handquilters prefer this to the hours of basting or pinning necessary... it is strong, easy to remove and quick....AND you can handle it for months while handquilting and it will hold up well....

anita211

I rarely use a hoop, even on a large quilt.I have been known to use the Q Snap frame but usually just to decide where to quilt and as a place to lay it, not to stretch it around the PVC pipes. I always use a thimble because your finger is going to get sore without it, and I always use the under button type thimble on the under finger to avoid really sore fingers. There is nothing worse than getting sore fingers--then you can't quilt until they are better. I am not traditional with the itty bitty quilting betweens. I use a #7 or #8 between which is a bigger needle, and almost gives you the size stitches you want. I have also used straw needles, but they bend a bit if really loaded with stitches. So use what you are comfortable with. I can think of nobody that is going to ask what size needle you used.

glorcour

I use a hoop, and since there are no rules in quilting, I use a longer needle. It works for me.

countryone77

Suzanne Marshall hand quilted many award winning quilts without a frame:

http://www.suzannequilts.com/suzanne...t/Welcome.html

Use whatever works best for you and then you can accomplish much :-).

tildiemae

When I hand quilt a small item I use a hoop with a 'stand' and this helps relief the neck tension and it's important to keep it saggy in the hoop.

solstice3

I tried a frame I bought on eBay. Not sure if it was me or the frame but didn't like the result. I recently did my first one with a hoop. MUCH better results. According to the lady that taught me, the tricks include careful prep...laying out the 3 layers and basting them sufficiently And having them in the hoop but saggy yet smooth. As far as the needles go...if short ones don't work for you,use what is comfortable and adjust your stitching method... Good luck!

jbj137

I like the Hinterberg frame.
Have used a hoop occasionally (keep it kinda loose).

Can't use a thimble at all (my fingers show the results).
J J

gypsylady5

I quilt out of the hoop as well. Also don't use much of a thimble - sometimes one of those thimbles that stick to your finger. I can get much better stitches that way.

BarbaraSue

Boy am I glad to see this thread! When I hand quilt I do it out of the hoop too, and glad to know that that ain't weird.
The hoop just gets in my way, and I guess I don't understand putting the quilt in a hoop taut to just pull it back loose again. I'm slow on the uptake on that. But hand stitching wasn't taught to me. I do pin baste with alot of pins.

I wish now I had asked either one of my grandma's to teach me to quilt before they died. Live and Learn!

cwessel47

No hoop. In my lap. I layer and pin - then thread baste sufficiently. Warm and cozy and ready to go- go - go!