sinceresissy

I use a plastic rectangle quilt frame that I hold in my lap. I have two bigger round ones but I don't like the round ones as well. I want to sit back and relax while I quilt not lean forward. I use a shorter needle to quilt and an open thimble that slips on my third finger and has dimples. I rock the needle catching the material and putting several stitches on the needle before pulling the thread through. I do prick my finger under the quilt and sometimes I tape up my bottom finger to keep it from getting too sore. I am quilting towards myself. The object for me and the quilting is to not lean forward and hurt my back. I do not stitch in the ditch and I do not use batiks very often. Sometimes my stitches turn but I just keep on going and sometimes they aren't exactly the same size but I can't be taking out stitches all the time. I tried to learn the stab method stitching and practiced that for about three weeks but I could not get the back side of the stitch to not turn and the stitches were not as straight as my rocking method. I took a class and everything but I was stressing out on trying to make my stitches straight and perfect. Nothing is perfect except the lady who gave the stab stitching class. Her quilting stitches were perfect and I wanted mine to be like that but I got tired to practicing. Ever onward.

ptquilts

I use an oval wooden hoop (two sizes), thimble on right hand, bare fingers underneath. Rocking stitch. Very small needles. You can't tell the top from the bottom when I am done, both sides have nice small even stitches. BUT I have been doing this for over 35 years!!

I did have to take a one hour lesson to figure out how to do the hand quilting stitch (way before Youtube videos). Not easy to learn from a book. Still the only instruction I have ever had in quilting. It was well worth the $10!!

Stitchnripper

I like to hand quilt in addition to machine quilting. I can't get the hang of the Aunt Becky yet. I do make the quilt loose in the frame, but, still need practice. I use the basic hand quilting technique I learned in a class about 10 years ago. I think once you find a system that is comfortable for you, then it just takes a lot of practice. I can tell my stitches start out bigger on a project, and then settle into a nice small size. I just leave those few bigger stitches in and they blend in. I use small needles and usually the hand quilting thread that has the coating on it. I have used all kinds of hoops, standing round, square pvc type, big round ones, and last quilt I used a small embroidery hoop. I have also tried without a hoop but for me I wasn't as comfortable. I like the thimble that has a tiny lip on the end to catch the needle. I don't use anything on the bottom finger. I don't have a callous on it, so I guess my method is okay. I can only hand quilt in one direction, away from me. I watched Alex Anderson demo how she quilts with her thumb instead of her middle finger. I can't master that! Anyway, try lots of things til you find the one that works best for you and let us know what that is!!

NJ Quilter

I'm essentially self taught only watching my friend and quilting mentor for guidance. I've made several adjustments over the years to find my style/comfort level.

I use Roxanne needles - get them from Colonial Needle. Great price and customer service. I use whatever brand of hand quilting thread is the color I want for a given project. I use a Thimblelady stainless steel thimble on the middle finger of my right hand. I tried her plastic one first to check for size and comfort. I find them so much better than a closed thimble. They are open-ended and you push with the pad of your finger. Nice deep dimples to hold the needle more securely. I have used her needles as well but find I like the shorter Roxanne needles better. I generally use a size 11 between.

I have a round hoop that I normally use - in my lap. I sit in my comfy chair and off I go. I do have a highly adjustable halogen light on the table next to me to be able to better see my work. Generally I pin-baste but I've migrated to thread-basting larger (queen/king) size. Reduces the weight of the quilt considerably. I also have the quilt quite loose in the hoop. Like in the Thimblelady recommendations, this way you tend to rock the quilt vs your hand thus reducing the stress/pain in your wrist.

I've seen it recommended to have a scrap sandwich to get your rhythm going first before starting to work on your actual quilt. This reduces the chance of those initial larger stitches. I've never bothered and like a previous poster, just let them be and blend into the rest of the quilt. But you may want to start with that since this is a new endeavor for you.

I also use a rubber fingertip on the index finger of my right hand to help with pulling the loaded needle through the quilt. I use nothing on my under finger(s). I just develop a callous after a while.

Just remember a) there are no quilt police; b) relax and enjoy; c) this is not a race! Have fun!

tessagin

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnV...pgyGRt6zKpteYw Making your own quilting frame. You can prop this anywhere.

AZ Jane

Google hoopless hand quilting, my favorite!!

carolynjo

I would use the Hinterberg frame. I also use Aunt Becky's tool under the top to get small, even stitches. Use a small needle, either a 10 or 11, or a size that suits you. I like John James needles, though many of my friends like Roxanne needles. You will have to try them out and decide.