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Originally Posted by purrfectquilts
Yes, you can most definitely use templates or stencils for designs. I keep a book of designs for reference and have a standard set of stencils in the common sizes.
Check your library for a book called Amish Quilt Designs (full size) by Gwen Marston and Joe Cunningham. This is a good basic reference to keep on your shelf. You can use a copy machine to make the designs larger or smaller. Start with a sz 7 between needle and practice until your stitches are even then move up to a sz 9 or sz 11. Knot your thread on the end you cut from the spool and never use a piece longer than 16 or 18 inches at a time. Use bees wax on your thread or use a coated quilting thread. Use a slightly thicker weight thread than you would in a sewing machine. |
My only hint is I use a "warm up" piece. So at night, when I curl up to hand quilt for a bit, I start by stitching on a "warm up" piece. Once my fingers and hands get into a rhythm I switch over to my project.
I make a "warm up" piece from leftover quilt squares etc. that will eventually become potholders, or mug rugs etc. Things that don't require the finest stitching I can produce! Good luck! Sounds like you're going great so far!!! |
Originally Posted by CarrieC
My only hint is I use a "warm up" piece. So at night, when I curl up to hand quilt for a bit, I start by stitching on a "warm up" piece. Once my fingers and hands get into a rhythm I switch over to my project.
I make a "warm up" piece from leftover quilt squares etc. that will eventually become potholders, or mug rugs etc. Things that don't require the finest stitching I can produce! Good luck! Sounds like you're going great so far!!! |
just keep at it. it will get better with time. Good luck and enjoy your time at the frame.
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I use stencils all the time. They are wonderful. For the most part I've gotten away from SID quilting for this very reason. Also another reason I press my seams open. I try to find stencils that are complimentary to the quilt, either flowing or boxy - you get the idea. Now my latest quilt was a table topper, carpenter's star/wheel and the fabrics were very bold. I just wanted the quilt pattern to speak so I only did SID. Painful but what I wanted for that piece.
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Originally Posted by NJ Quilter
I use stencils all the time. They are wonderful. For the most part I've gotten away from SID quilting for this very reason. Also another reason I press my seams open. I try to find stencils that are complimentary to the quilt, either flowing or boxy - you get the idea. Now my latest quilt was a table topper, carpenter's star/wheel and the fabrics were very bold. I just wanted the quilt pattern to speak so I only did SID. Painful but what I wanted for that piece.
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i will also try to avoid seams. Sometimes I will run the needle under the top layer to the other side of the seam and start stitching again.
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Originally Posted by teddysmom
All advice I've ever gotten is NEVER press seams open because it weakens the seam when hand pieced. Do you have any problems with that?
Janet |
Originally Posted by teddysmom
Originally Posted by NJ Quilter
I use stencils all the time. They are wonderful. For the most part I've gotten away from SID quilting for this very reason. Also another reason I press my seams open. I try to find stencils that are complimentary to the quilt, either flowing or boxy - you get the idea. Now my latest quilt was a table topper, carpenter's star/wheel and the fabrics were very bold. I just wanted the quilt pattern to speak so I only did SID. Painful but what I wanted for that piece.
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Originally Posted by teddysmom
I'm a newbie who hand quilts. I'm quilting a 9 patch and am quilting around each patch. I'm still trying to get my stitches smaller and even but have a problem when I'm stitching over the seam allowance that has been pressed to one side. Have you ever used templates or stencils for your design? This would mean less stitching over the bulky edges?
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