117becca

It is doable - Genden is right. Make a practice sandwich, the key is even stitches. Show the friend the practice sample and see if she is OK w/ it. A baby quilt is a very important quilt and she should see what it might look like. YLI glazed cotton thread is the best - i order mine online.

Quilting w/out a hoop would help w/ those even stitches. If you do use a hoop, you want the quilt loose in the hoop - that helps w/ the rocking motion. Get a leather thimble to push the needle thru. I think they're easy to adjust to because you can still feel the needle.

I also would quilt 1/4 inch from the seam. I wish i were closer, I'd quilt it for you.

Definitely ask the person what she has in mind. Personally, I like to see the quilting - stitch in the ditch, while it might hide imperfect stitches, but you can't see the quilting and i'd be disappointed.

quilterpurpledog

I think you should go for it! But, you and the person for whom you are doing it need to settle on the definition of the project. Determine the size and subject matter. I am sure that you can do it. I don't think stitching in the ditch is appropriately done with hand quilting-it doesn't show. Hand quilting is done to enhance the pattern of the quilt. I like the pattern you are thinking of but I think it would be hard to hand quilt as a beginner. When I look at the things you have posted I know you are one to be challenged to do techniques you haven't done before and you succeed beautifully; so, go for it!

jmoore

It is a cute Kissing Fish quilt... maybe you could compromise, tell her you'd be delighted to do the top, sandwich it and attach the binding after she hand quilts it.

Watson

Would something like this be more practical? Not as sewing intensive?

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Thanks for all your help, Watson

Doggramma

I think that one would be perfect

AZ Jane

I would not be discouraged by all the remarks. My very first quilt was hand quilted because I did not know how to machine quilt. Now I prefer it. Crossing seams is the hardest, just do a stitch or two at a time. Remember it's love, not perfection. Let's see if I can find some pictures. I quilted around my squares then either quilted or embroidered hearts in the center of some blocks.[ATTACH=CONFIG]544966[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]544967[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]544968[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]544969[/ATTACH]

GramE

love this!

GramE

"Love"ly! Thank you for sharing.

Watson

Is there a traditional way, either pre-washing or non pre-washing for hand-quilted quilts?

Thanks, Watson

joe'smom

I think you'll have more contact with the fabric than when machine quilting, so sensitivity to chemicals in unwashed fabric might be an issue to consider.