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?

great question - I am a newbie hand basting my first quilt to be hand quilted, will be following all the responses - thanks for asking

Yes, I have used a stencil marked on the fabric. I also have stitched over the seam allowances - I usually cheat to get teh needle through.

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.

I have used lots of stencils-some plastic cut outs I purchased (use a chalk ponce or special pen/pencil), I also have made my own, copying a design on paper and sewing over the lines with a fat machine needle and no thread and using them with chalk pounce. I have also used a light box to copy designs on the quilt top before sandwiching. I also have just free-hand stippled. Besides SID and outlining, I guess I have done it all. It all works-just have to decide what method would be best for the design you want for a particular quilt.

To be honest, I really hate hand quilting over seam allowances, so I go out of my way to avoid them, either by designing quilts with lots of wide open spaces, or choosing designs that avoid the seams.

If I do have to go over the seam allowance, I sometimes stab stitch, or use a backstitch. I also try not to go nuts making those stitches match the rest of my quilting. Close enough is good enough.

Janet

When going over "intersections", if the fabric is too thick, I don't go all the way to the back with my needle. Sometimes I only go through the fabric and catch a little of the batting.

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: Good advice Janet - enjoy your quilting & don't let it stress you. Each stitch is a little bit of your love put into the quilt, so it is always a beautiful part of you.

Also, practice, practice - once you get a method you're comfortable with, in no time you'll love your results. :lol:

I do that too. Sometimes it's just too thick.

Janet

That is what I do as well.