Hand quilting stich size
#11
Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 72
The size of the stitch isn't so important for a beginner. I alays preach consistency for learners; with practice, practice, practice the stitches will get smaller.......keep at it. You will never be sorry to have hand quilted an item.
#12
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 5,571
I handquilt with W&N also. One of these years I'll try something else but that will be a while as I bought an entire roll of it! I also use Roxanne #11 needles. Most times I use a hoop but will sometimes use nothing as well. Loading as many stitches as possible onto your needle definitely helps in getting smaller stitches. The hardest part there is getting your first stitch as small as your first! At this point, concentrate on keeping your stitches even and they will get smaller over time. I use a Thimblelady thimble on my middle finger and keep a rubber tip on my index finger to help pull the needle through. With Thimblelady thimbles you push with the pad of your finger, not the tip. They also have quite deep dimples which help hold the needle steady.
#13
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,654
1) It's easier to get small stitches with a very thin batting
2) It's easier to get small stitches with a tiny needles (11 or 12 - which are very hard for me to thread!)
3) It's easier to get small stitches when the sandwich has some "flex".
I also thought that the sandwich was supposed to be stretched tight when in a hoop. DUH! Worked so much better when I gave it some give.
4) Evenness and consistency of stitches is rated higher than smallness of stitches (I think)
I can do fairly even - but I just don't seem to be able to do pin-prick size stitches. And I've decided not to worry about it!
2) It's easier to get small stitches with a tiny needles (11 or 12 - which are very hard for me to thread!)
3) It's easier to get small stitches when the sandwich has some "flex".
I also thought that the sandwich was supposed to be stretched tight when in a hoop. DUH! Worked so much better when I gave it some give.
4) Evenness and consistency of stitches is rated higher than smallness of stitches (I think)
I can do fairly even - but I just don't seem to be able to do pin-prick size stitches. And I've decided not to worry about it!
#16
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Canal Winchester, OH
Posts: 33
And I agree with Teresa! Thank you so much for the wonderful information. I am so glad I found this site and wish I would have when I started out. Im sure I have learned many a bad habit trying to teach myself
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: dallas tx.
Posts: 5,172
Agree with everything said. Also use your thumb to get the stitch onto the needle when it comes back up. Helps to make smaller stitches. You'll learn. Even when I start for the day my stitches will be harder to get small until I get in a rythmn. And you'll love it.
#19
I am also a new quilter and I love hand quilting. Except my hands don't. Have you tried quilting without a hoop? I found it much easier to get a consistent small stitch. Review my photos if you like, not bragging, just as a refernce from a fellow New Quilter.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDcLMiR2SAo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDcLMiR2SAo
#20
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: las vegas nv.
Posts: 2,452
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