I can't use the betweens, they are too dull. And quilting needles are way tooo tiny. I go for Sharps, even use embroidery needles at times.

thanks everyone. I think the trouble I'm having is with the thimble. I used a metal thimble with the raised ridge around the top, on my middle finger, and was using the tip of the finger to rock the needle. It causes me to make a "crab claw" type of shape with my hand, and that was what was cramping. Maybe if I try using the side of the thimble it would be better?

I quilt mostly with a hoop, on my lap, towards me. I can't master the thumb like Alex Anderson, or quilting to the sides. I do find it relaxing although I don't blink enough and my eyes dry out, especially under the Ott light!

I do use a hoop even if it is one of those snap together hand held PCP plastic frames. Most of my quilting of bed size quilts is done on either of two floor hoops, one round and the other square. Both are on a single leg and the frame can be rotated as needed. I use both hands, and quilt in what ever direction gets the job done. I wear a leather thimble on my right middle finger and on my left thumb. After 40 years the only difference between my hands is the right hand is a little faster. I used to use a #12 quilter's in between. With age and an autoimmune disease I have had to be demoted to a #9 inbetween needle. I even use it to do mending and to sew on buttons. It is not unusal for me to quilt for several hours at a time. My hands don't bother me nearly as badly as my back which has a good deal of arthritis.

The first few days I found it frustrating and exhausting. After a learning curve, it did get to be relaxing to me - but I really have to pay attention to my shoulders and wrists and stop when they start hurting. I can't quilt for hours at a time like some people I read about here.

I used to hand quilt...and yes, it was relaxing...but for a couple of reasons, I rarely hand quilt anymore. First, I sew way too many tops and would never be able to keep up hand quilting them...it is so much slower than machine quilting. Second, I had to have hand surgery about 10 years ago, and since then I can only do limited handwork. Mostly now if and when I do hand quilt, I do the "utility" quilting with pearl cotton and a chenille needle. I found I love that look, and it isn't as hard on my hand as traditional hand quilting is.

I used to hand quilt...and yes, it was relaxing...but for a couple of reasons, I rarely hand quilt anymore. First, I sew way too many tops and would never be able to keep up hand quilting them...it is so much slower than machine quilting. Second, I had to have hand surgery about 10 years ago, and since then I can only do limited handwork. Mostly now if and when I do hand quilt, I do the "utility" quilting with pearl cotton and a chenille needle. I found I love that look, and it isn't as hard on my hand as traditional hand quilting is.

I have a hoop and I always quilt towards myself (downward). When I'm away from handquilting for awhile and then go back to it, my hand gets tired but it doesn't take long to build my muscles back up again. Just quilt till you start feeling tired then stop and go back to it later.

I don't know if you can find them anymore, but Clover made a leather thimble with a mesh on the side that goes side to side. It is wonderful. If you find somewhere to buy one, also please pm me and let me know. I could use a new one and can't find them here in Maine.

I quilt from right to left or on an angle if it is a big piece. I put my left hand under the quilt and let the needle come to my finger and then up. On my right hand, I put the thimble on my middle finger and push from there but I put the needle in with my thumb and index finger before pushing.

LOVE to hand quilt, do not use a hoop either. my left wrist gets tired after a while from holding up especially a larger project. But agree there is just a look I love about it. Quilt right to left. I was afraid but took one quick little class and said oh this is not that hard.