Borntohandquilt

This is what I have just learned in another thread, written by VanuatuJill:

[...] BTW, the usual term used for putting several stitches on the needle before pulling the thread through is "stacking", the process of putting the needle thru the fabric top and angling back and forth to catch the underneath stitch before coming back up is "rocking".[...]

Hope that helps!

Charming

ROFL...so what's wrong with your sewing machine???????

JBeamer

So sorry you are having so much trouble. I haven't dared to try hand quilting yet. Your post reminded me of what I might do if I was quilting by hand. Just wanted to remind you to drink plenty of fluids to replace the blood loss!!!LOL

jemma

try a longer needle [i cant even hold a BETWEEN] get rid of the hoop ---go for even stitches they will get smaller with practice[tiny is not always better]

Rainy Day

Thanks - I am about to try handquilting too. Funny post!

granny_59

Thats the funniest story about the first handquilting attempt..........I think I only had to laugh so hard as I have been there not long ago myself.

You know everything about handquilting and you get more great advise here. So all you have to do is to hang in there!
The organized way you started out leaves no doubt to me that you master it in no time.
Happy quilting
Granny

Mitch's mom

I thank all of you for the condolences and the encouragement. I'm not ready to give up, I really want to learn to do hand quilting. I don't know of anything prettier than a whole cloth quilt. I didn't realize I would need a degree in engineering and the Bloodmobile on stand by to stick a needle in some fabric. I didn't know it was OK to stab one stitch at a time - I can do that!

I am going to try to return the Q Snap frame today. My fingers are actually sore from trying to remove the clips. I'll look for a conventional hoop and try hooping the fabric some other time when I feel there are not enough things going wrong in my life. For now, I'll stick to the hoop-less method. If hand quilting can be done without a hoop, why do the quilt videos and magazines all show people using hoops? The only time I have felt more disappointment was going to Victoria's Secret and realizing the only thing in the store I could wear is the lotion! I swear they have it there as a consolation prize for we women of ample proportions.

I'll try again this evening and report back. I have to get ready for work. You all have a fun, quilt and fabric filled day!
Tracy

ptquilts

Mitch's Mom - it would REALLY help if you could watch someone doing it beside you. Do you know anyone who does it, that could help you in person? Can you drop in on a quilt guild? Or a senior center?

I know when I started hand quilting it was very tough until I took a one hour lesson on it, then it all fell into place.

practice, practice, practice, ..... call the Red Cross for transfusions as needed...

mpspeedy

I started out handquilting one stitch at a time. When I graduated from stab stitching to being able to load up to two stitches on the needle at a time I was really going to town. At that point I used smaller and smaller needles which helped. As I age my hands get less responsive and I need a bigger needle. What really matters is that you get the job done. I have learned to do most of my quilting when watching TV or having a conversation with friends or family. While I machine quilt my Linus projects I don't enjoy it as much as the handquilting as I can not carry on a conversation, watch TV or even listen to the radio while using the machine. At the speed I sew I could easily sew my hand or fingers to the quilt in a brief moment of distraction.
When I use a snap frame I often only secure two sides.

JulieR

First, what a funny post about a very un-funny experience! I like your style. :)

Sometimes I wish I could use a hoop just to get the dang thing off of me, but alas, when I try to use one...well, I have the same troubles you do. It just doesn't work for me.

I'm still on one stitch at a time, but it seems to be working. You'll find the method that works best for you.

Keep writing about your experiences -- or just keep writing, period!