Barb2018

I've never tried before, but I have a collection of different colors of Mettler 50 wt. Back when they changed their color numbers, I found it at quilt shops for real low prices. But now I have a wall hanging that uses several of these colors. It's almost like it was meant to be.
I know in my head what it should look like and I'll never get there...the arthritis is just to bad. But I'll settle for less if I can just get the stitches even. My question is what would be a good needle for this? I've used Milliners needles for sewing down my bindings and it seems comfortable to use them. Will the quilt police take me away? Is there a better needle that maybe is a little longer? I have quilting needles, applique needles, chenille needles, embroidery needles and sharps. Would somebody please point me in the right direction because I don't want to have to try every one of those. Thanks!!

feline fanatic

You can hand quilt any way that is comfortable for you. Consider looking into how sashiko quilting is done. Rather than rocking the needle as is commonly used in hand quilting you pleat the fabric onto the needle accordion style. Sashiko uses a much longer needle, which sounds to be more comfortable for you. This style of quilting doesn't use a hoop. Of course you can use a milliners needle. Your stitches may be larger than traditional hand quilting, more like big stitch quilting, which usually uses a heavier thread than your Mettler but I am sure it will work just fine and because the project is a wall hanging you don't need to be concerned that your stitches are on the larger side.

Boston1954

My sister has Parkinson's and I tell her just do fifteen minutes and you will that much closer to having it done. I love hand quilting and I bet you will too.

ptquilts

another fan of hand quilting here. I would try a few and see what feels best for you.

Faintly Artistic

Have you looked into big stitch quilting? So much faster and looks great. I use it for nearly all my quilts now. I like Thimblelady XL needles for big stitch or a chenille needle if my thread is too big for the TL eye. My preference is long, thin and very sharp as it makes quilting so much easier. I am also going to switch to wool batting instead of cotton as cotton is hard to needle.

Like what was stated above, I use no hoop or frame and move the fabric more than the needle. You could double your thread to make it thicker.

Jo Glover has a great series on big stitch quilting on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyaLsMafElo

SusieQOH

I love to hand quilt. I use quilting needles, size 10. That works for me but may not be your choice.
I also like big stitch quilting. I'm almost finished doing a quilt that way. It goes really quickly.
I use a hoop for hand quilting but I loosen the tension on the hoop. I have trouble quilting without one. I also use a leather thimble. It's the only one that works for me.
It's a highly individual thing!

Jingle

Years ago I use to hand quilt. It is very slow going. I decided in 2002 I would learn machine quilting. I did and that is all I do. I can quilt two quilts a day. My hands are arthritic now and I can't even hand stitch bindings on. I have perfected machine sewing on bindings. I sew everyday 5-6 hours. I make donation quilts.

Stitchnripper

I like to hand quilt. I like the "betweens" I think they are called, hand quilting needles. I just tried them til I found one that worked for me. Same with a thimble. I have several and there is one that I like best. No quilt police required! Find what works for you. John James makes a quilting needle with a big eye, easier to thread.

luvstoquilt

I love hand quilting and I use between. I agree with stitchnripper and buy John James needles with the big eye. I also wax my thread which keeps it from knotting.

Jordan

Good for you and glad you are willing to try. I don't hand quilt so I applaud you for trying. I have seen large stitches taken for hand quilting and it looks very nice. Maybe you could try that style. Good luck to you in whatever you attempt.