I hand quilt as much as possible. I sometimes machine quilt extremely small projects such as runners or placemats but do not enjoy it. I have had a couple larger quilts done long arm and although they came out wonderfully, I prefer the softness of a hand quilted piece and the way it drapes so nicely.

I make sure whatever I'm hand quilting is basted well because I no longer use a hoop. I just start from the middle of the project and work out from there. Don't use a thread longer than the length from your wrist to your elbow. This eliminates twisting/knotting and torquing your hand, wrist and forearm too much.

The thing about hand quilting is you get to revisit what you've done. Really enjoy the pattern used, and the pattern within each fabric. It's interesting and relaxing to see dimension forming and almost a topography going on. It also is comforting to be working on this at night, with your favorite dog taking one corner of the quilt for a test drive nap.

Lot's of people hate the actual quilting and I can respect that and would not judge how their choices. There's some wonderful options out there. Personally, I feel even more connected by my quilts, knowing I personally sewed every stitch. Happy Stitching!

Well said! Thank you.

Janet

That's what I did to start off. I used a panel and just quilted around the pictures and then did some quilting in the background after marking it with a stencil.
I use two thimbles, the one on top has the rubber body with a metal tip, and the other one is all metal. I like to do it, but only for family, and only with strict instructions that the dog cannot sleep on it, lol. Gina

I also hand quilt and find it very relaxing. I would say practice on something before you start on a real project. Don't put it into the hoop very tight. I have a lot of play with my fabric. Do not buy too big of a hoop. I had a 18 (I think) and it about killed me reaching under do buy a hoop any larger than the area from you elbow to your hand. Find a thimble that will stay on and that is comfortable. I like the Clover protect and grip thimbles. when you find one you like buy several. Also clean them occasionally with alcohol so you dont get a nail infections. I also have a rubber finger like from the office supply place and use it at times for my finger under neath. Other than that relax and enjoy and just remember consistant sizing is important not speed.

Diane

I think she was looking for advice on hand quilting, not an opinion that criticizes machine quilting. My response to the question would be to relax and enjoy the process and take your time. Remember, there are no quilt police.

I am a hand quilter and used two thimbles until I read on the Jinny Beyer webpage that she tried using a spoon underneath and really liked it. I tried it too and now my fingers are MUCH happier but it looks like I might wear through the spoon given some time and a couple more quilts! Oh well, spoons are cheap but fingers aren't.

I am also interested, and started a new topic on what is the best book to learn from, including hand piecing with illustrations, any comments on this also?

I am just a beginner at hand quilting, I'm working on my first piece. My mother started a Hawaiian applique wall hanging in the 70s, during the year we lived there. She completed the applique part and them we moved back to California. A few years ago, My Hubby and I we were on a trip to Hawaii (with My Mom and her friend) and were admiring some Hawaiian quilts we saw. I said I wanted to do one some day. My Mom said I have one you can finish. After 35 years, she knew right where it was and gave it to me when we got back. My goodness, it was brown and gold. After looking at it for quite awhile, I decided to add batik borders that would compliment the brown and gold but bring in more colors to distract the eye. My Hubby bought me a Grace lap hoop. I then took a handquilting class at my LQS with the ThimbleLady from Australia, Luxine Newman. After a few hours in her class my stitches were looking much nicer and more consistant. I ended up buying one of her thimbles and her book "Handquilting without Pain". She has a great technique and I hope I can finish this piece. I know I will treasure it being made by my mom and quilted by me (albeit 40 years apart)!

I always hand quilt and really enjoy it. I am never in a hurry to get them done because then you just start on
another one. Just take your time and like the others have said keep your stitches consistent. I do machine quilt my
borders but that is it. Good luck and keep quilting.

I agree with this totally. Also start in middle of quilt working your way out to sides dividing quilt into fourths. Then quilt each fourth. Helps to keep the quilt from shifting.