Happy Dance here. Way to go.

I find hand quilting with small stitches to be very difficult. Does anyone have any pointers for me? I really would like to hand quilt a quilt top I have raedy to go

I'm so glad we have another hand quilter. I also keep the tension in the hoop a little loose and load 2 to 3 stitches on my needle. It's all about relaxation. Enjoy!!!

I am doing the happy dance for you. I am going to teach myself how to one of these days, I have watched u tube, but they lose me every time I watch it. One of these days I will get a book on how to hand quilt. God bless. Penny

Enjoy your handquilting. It is so relaxing.

It's just like everything that you do, practice makes perfect. Like the others, with time you'll be an expert. It's soothing to have your hands busy but be sure to use good lighting when quilting because our eyes are very precious to us. Good luck quilting.

Thank you very much for all the hints and support. I have quilted one of the squares with a hoop and one without to see the difference. The one without I think I pulled the thread a bit tighter but still looks okay. It is easier to move the needle through but I think I prefer the look of the hooped square even though it took longer to do (which I don't mind as I'm enjoying the experimenting and still relaxed..)
I have asked my son to help with getting a couple of decent pics and uploading for me so will do that very soon.
Also, I donated plasma today (do this monthly) and GOSH does it hurt when they prick your finger for a sample of blood to test your iron levels AND IT JUST HAPPENS TO BE THE SAME FINGER THAT HAS BEEN RAVAGED BY THE QUILTING NEEDLE!!! Can't seem to get used to using a thimble underneath...oh well one ravaged finger out of ten isn't too bad LOL :)
Happy quilting everyone, and for the other beginners...keep on stabbing :)

You know that if you prick yourself and bleed on your quilt that use your own saliva and it will come out. This only is true for your saliva on your blood. It really works when I tried it. I was so skeptical at first.

I thought I was the only weird one who does not like to use thimbles - I find that they get caught on the thread and seem to be in the way. I do not quilt in the traditional way, I "sew" and poke the needle in and out so sometimes I can get away with it. What does work is getting one of those small metal circles that adhere to your finger tip, and then putting a finger cut off surgical gloves on top of your poking finger. Necessity is the mother of invention!

Good for you! You will love hand quilting and it makes your quilt so special.