Hand quilting stich size
04-27-2012, 06:20 AM
#51
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Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Canal Winchester, OH
Posts: 33
I would love to see pics of your frame! My husband is wanting to make me one and I am not sure which way to go with it. I dont use anything as I like sitting with the family on the couch in the evening as I quilt and worry about frame size not allowing that to happen. I do love the thought of not having to baste though, I am not a fan 
I really like a frame where you can stretch the whole quilt out and not have to baste. But you can stand it on quilt stands and not have to hang it from the ceiling. I can email pictures to you if you like. Batting makes a huge difference. I always use poly. I tried cotton and it's just way harder to get them small. My stitches were probably 3 times bigger with cotton batting. But if you keep the stitches even, it's still nice looking. Even your fabric choice can make a difference. Some fabrics just quilt easier. I never starch my fabrics when piecing. I wonder if starch makes it harder to quilt? Tension of the hoop or frame makes a huge difference too. I love my floor frame with the C-clamps holding it in place. The slightest adjustment to the tension makes all the difference in the world in making it easier to quilt and make nice stitches. Find the smallest needle that works for you, at least a 9 or smaller. I like a 10, it's stiff enough to not bend easily, but tiny enough to make nice stitches. The big thing is just EXPERIENCE...don't give up!
04-27-2012, 06:45 AM
#52
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 235
I use a number 10 needle but you might want to try and use a bit larger one if you haven't been doing much hand quilting. Like was suggested if you are using a hoop...I always do...the quilt should be loose....I love any of the 80/20 batting for hand quilting. To me it needles so easy..like butter. I've used poly and some of it is pretty good...but nothing compares to the 80/20. I do a lot of hand quilting. I belong to a quilting club and that's all that is done is hand quilting. You just to experiment and find out what is best for you.
04-27-2012, 07:10 AM
#53
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Central VA
Posts: 413
I read somewhere (could have been on this site or one like it) that it doesn't really matter what "size" stitch you make as long as all of them are the same size. I have quilted many quilts and my stitches are uniform, however, they are not the tiny little stitches but they are not really large either. Everyone that has seen my quilts ask me how I get the stitches so even. Well, once you get the hang of it, judgement of size is pretty clear. I am not perfect by no means, and have ripped out a lot because I wasn't happy with the irregular size of the stitch and go back and try to make them uniform. Hope this helps. Mary
04-27-2012, 08:01 AM
#54
Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: sticks
Posts: 72
I am so glad to see so many hand-quilters here. I was beginning to think I was a dinosewer!
I don't mean to offend our machine-quilting sisters, but I want to give gifts that I made by hand, so my quilts are all hand-quilted, hand-embroidered, and almost always hand-pieced. It is the difference from wood sculpture to making a desk with power tools, both beautiful and useful, but different. Both heirlooms, maybe or not, depending on the talent, not the tools. Talent is the main factor.
I think consistency is the key. Parctice making even up and down - the same length onthe top and bottom. start with 2 per inch if you have to. Get that right. Then try 4 per inch and then 6, etc.
As in any other area of expertise, it is technique first, then consistency, then speed.(think ice skating and dance or tiddly-winks.)
I use a tiny needle (8 sharp) a lap hoop (loose like a trampoline) quilting thread run through a beeswax candle, and have practiced for 50 years. I started out with zig-zagging lumps and now can get 10-12 stitches per inch (DEPENDING on the batt) without breaking a sweat. Threading the needle takes me the longest!
I also use thimbles on both middle fingers to help push back and forth from top to bottom. It took some practice. So practice on pillow tops, or pot holders. I bet I made a hundred pot holders when I was a kid! I gave them for gifts.
It is worth the trouble, I think. Tartan was very specific and right on! Good luck.
I don't mean to offend our machine-quilting sisters, but I want to give gifts that I made by hand, so my quilts are all hand-quilted, hand-embroidered, and almost always hand-pieced. It is the difference from wood sculpture to making a desk with power tools, both beautiful and useful, but different. Both heirlooms, maybe or not, depending on the talent, not the tools. Talent is the main factor.
I think consistency is the key. Parctice making even up and down - the same length onthe top and bottom. start with 2 per inch if you have to. Get that right. Then try 4 per inch and then 6, etc.
As in any other area of expertise, it is technique first, then consistency, then speed.(think ice skating and dance or tiddly-winks.)
I use a tiny needle (8 sharp) a lap hoop (loose like a trampoline) quilting thread run through a beeswax candle, and have practiced for 50 years. I started out with zig-zagging lumps and now can get 10-12 stitches per inch (DEPENDING on the batt) without breaking a sweat. Threading the needle takes me the longest!
I also use thimbles on both middle fingers to help push back and forth from top to bottom. It took some practice. So practice on pillow tops, or pot holders. I bet I made a hundred pot holders when I was a kid! I gave them for gifts.
It is worth the trouble, I think. Tartan was very specific and right on! Good luck.
04-27-2012, 09:53 AM
#58
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Location: NY
Posts: 10,590
Once you try something without a scrim you will realize how much easier it is! Of course if all you have ever known is W&N you have no basis of comparison. Do try some of the other wonderful battings that are available, I think you will notice a difference.
04-27-2012, 10:30 AM
#59
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Athens, Georgia
Posts: 1,700
I don't know about needles or really even how to improve, except that the more I do it the better I get. If I quit for a few days and get back at it, I'm not as good as I was. Still I am better than I was 10 years ago!
It's what they say about practice, practice, practice!
It's what they say about practice, practice, practice!
04-27-2012, 11:41 AM
#60
Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 12
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