I just finished quilting a Sun Bonnet Sue Antique quilt I was given. I use a 14" hoop and set at a small card table in a straight back chair. I rest the quilt and frame on the table and it saves my shoulders and back from hurting. It was queen size and I basted it together before I started. Works best for me. Marge

I have tried all these techniques. I cant quilt in a frame because I cant learn to quilt up nor to the right. I can only go down or to the left.

I dont like a hoop as it distorts the layers where the hoop holds the quilt in place. And you have to have it loose in the hoop or you break needles...lots and lots of needles.

So, I learned to quilt hoopless. I baste it every two inches. Then hold the needled like I am hand piecing and just sew through all the layers. This has given me the best results...tiny stitches, comfortable, portable and most of all ENJOYABLE... I love hand quilting now.

I also learned to baste the quilt on a table top, sitting in a chair.. no crawling around on the floor or trying to find a big table to baste on.

Judy

Hi, Since I am a hand quilter for hire I have learned to do it all kinds of ways. For a bed size quilt I use on of my two standing frames. I have a 24 inch round Hintenberg frame hoop on a stand and a 24 inch square Grace hoop frame. Also on a stand. I learned long ago to quilt with either hand which is almost a necessity in a frame. I also have up to 20 needles at a time going. Between turning the hoops and using that many needles I can basically quilt the entire area in the frame before having to move it. For smaller more portable items I have several different size PCP frames. I often finish the borders by laying the almost completed quilt on a table so that I can work along the edges without any hoop.

I tried hoops and I have a frame but I prefer not to use them I quilt comfy in my recliner with the quilt spread around me.

I have an old (30's-40's) frame that needs more space than I can give it right now. The pvc lap frame I have started ou as 11"x17" but I put extra pipe on it to make it whatever size I want.

Clever idea, Moonpi!

I am really surprized at the number of you who prefer having the quilt spread on their lap.

Another thing that I also notice from your replies is that each one of you adapts whatever tool to quilt for your specific needs. One does not want to have back pains, another prefers seeing the whole quilt etc.. It is amazing how we manage to do our little thing according to what we want to achieve, with our own personnality.

I love quilters!! :D

I am another one who does not use a frame or hoop. I baste every three inches or so. I am sort of surprised to see the reponses in this thread. I had no idea so many people don't use frames or hoops.

I use a lap hoop, that way I have both hands free and can rotate it to go any way I want. I always take my quilt out of the hoop at the end of a session and haven't had trouble with stretching.

Last fall I bought a lap hoop to do cross stitching with.

You have all inspired me to try hand quilting!! :)

I use an 18 inch hoop. I have a quilting frame but it is Huge and I can't get the quilt to stay flat. Also I can't reach the middle I prefer being comfy in my chair and being able to turn the hoop as needed. I have done full, twin and queen size this way.