Hand Quilting - Stitches
04-19-2010, 02:56 PM
#11
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: NW Missouri
Posts: 140
Originally Posted by janRN
When your underneath finger bleeds and then gets calloused you know you're through the 3 quilt layers. I can't use a thimble on that finger because I have to "feel" it go through (does that make sense?). I get about 8-10 stitches per inch but where I have a problem is at seam lines. I can't get the stitches on the bottom to come out even. Anybody have any hints on how to quilt evenly through seams? (A secret: the last time I entered my quilt in a a show, I cheated and sewed the stitches on the back at the seams.)
Thanks Vanessa for starting this topic-always can use advice for better hand quilting.
Thanks Vanessa for starting this topic-always can use advice for better hand quilting.
I usually get 8 to 10 stitches per inch. As to when you come to a seam, if it is kind of thick you can use a "stab" stitch for a few stitches until you get past the thick part. It works and if you are careful you can't hardly tell it from the other stitches.
04-19-2010, 04:13 PM
#13
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 3,877
When I learned to hand-quilt I started by using the tiger tape. Its a tape with little black lines on it. It comes in different spacing. You just follow the spacing to get the rythym. Like down a black and up to black. It really helped out. Draw a bunch of straight lines and put the tiger tape next to it and practice.
You'll see, it'll happen! :thumbup:
You'll see, it'll happen! :thumbup:
04-19-2010, 04:27 PM
#14
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: New Zealand in the South Pacific
Posts: 1,115
I have just checked my quilt, yes I have only hand quilted the one, it was queen size, I have 6 to the inch, I went for regular size rather than trying to get lots of stitches per inch. It was a poly/cotton top,calico back, I used No8 Betweens needles and 100% quilting cotton thread to quilt, I am more than happy with my efforts. I am sure practice is going to make me better at it, I so loved the hand quilting, I am hooked on it now! Can't wait to get my next project finished just so as I can 'Hand Quilt'.
Gal
Gal
04-19-2010, 06:32 PM
#15
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 1,981
I do somewhere between 9 to 11. It depends on the fabric and size of the needle. I usually use a tiny 12. But recently bought platinum 9 because I was having a hard time with the needle going through the batik fabric, I will not use batik again as backing. So now it is 9 or 10. The main thing is for your stitches to be uniform. I also have been hand quilting for over 25 years.
04-19-2010, 06:44 PM
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: here! :)
Posts: 1,485
I have tried to keep my stitches more consistent rather than smaller. In time they are getting smaller and more consistent - practice, practice, and more practice. I do use a smaller needle - actually easier to control.
04-19-2010, 07:29 PM
#17
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,387
Go for even - tiny stitches may or may not happen, but even, regular stitches look intentional -
I think of tiny tiny stitches as trying to run a 3.5 minute mile. I'm not going to be able to do it, but if I can WALK that mile, I'm happy.
The point is, do it as well as you can, and enjoy what you've done.
I think of tiny tiny stitches as trying to run a 3.5 minute mile. I'm not going to be able to do it, but if I can WALK that mile, I'm happy.
The point is, do it as well as you can, and enjoy what you've done.
04-20-2010, 04:32 AM
#18
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Mountains of North Carolina
Posts: 203
Originally Posted by sewcrafty
When I learned to hand-quilt I started by using the tiger tape. Its a tape with little black lines on it. It comes in different spacing. You just follow the spacing to get the rythym. Like down a black and up to black. It really helped out. Draw a bunch of straight lines and put the tiger tape next to it and practice.
You'll see, it'll happen! :thumbup:
You'll see, it'll happen! :thumbup:
04-20-2010, 04:34 AM
#19
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Mountains of North Carolina
Posts: 203
Thank you for all the advice. I can't wait to get started. Will be a little while as I have to finish the tops. I probably should set something up on the frame so I can practice first.
Sore fingers here I come!
Sore fingers here I come!
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