I press seams to the side, not open. When quilting over seam allowances, you can use the thumb of your top hand to press down on the fabric above the point of the needle as it's coming back up to the top- this helps control the length of the stitch. If the seam is just too bulky, stab stitching works- just push the needle straight down all the way through the fabric, then use your bottom hand to poke it back up where you want the next stitch to start. Over time, as you practice, practice, practice, it will become second nature. And yes, you sure can use stencils, etc. to make different quilting designs!

I agree. I like the 1/4" dimension for echo quilting and have done it often.

I am hand quilting a quilt that has star fabric in it. So I am quilting using a star stencil. I used a cookie cutter to make a stencil. Using a Bohn ceramic pencil to trace.

I also only press to the side...I have used stencils, or just drawn around the shape of a template I have made from think cardboard or quilting template...like a dove, angel, heart, etc. on a faith, hope, love quilt...I use a sliver of soap for dark fabric to mark it, purple pen for light fabric...Or, if I am feeling brave, I will eyeball it...when it comes to seams, I have used the stab and stitch to get thru all of the layers...good luck to you,
Kif

As a hint to get your stitches smaller, don't do a running stitch.It is a stabbing stitch - straight down into the fabric and then up again so that you make a sort of rocking motion.It is also easier to stitch over the seams with this motion.Stencils keep the pattern even.

While shopping Wednesday for fabric, I was lucky enough to find one of those needle pullers discussed last week. It works great but I will have to practice wearing it all the time. Currently, I just keep it close at hand so I can use it when I need a little extra grip to pull the needle through.

What also works is a wide elastic. I cut it up and use it to pull the needle through if needed

If you quilt "by the piece" you won't have to quilt through the seams. Perfect for nine patch. Only problem is there is twice the quilting. Quilt 1/4" from seams on all sides of each seam. I am doing a quilt with 3 inch squares now. I have to admit I'm about to decide I will never get it all quilted.

Teddysmom, I heard several years ago, when Alex Anderson had her quilt show, she said that it is fine to press machine sewn seams open. You would do that on clothing and that holds up. When most quilts were hand pieced, then yes, you want the seam pressed to one side. That said, I do find that pressing to one side makes the section pressed towards stand out more than the other..
I only hand quilt, and use store-bought stencils, make my own from cardboard soda packages, love my pounce.

Aurora, how do you use the elastic as a needle puller???