If you use flannel wash and dry it super hot 2 times so it shrinks.
I did mine on the machine (DHM) and used the serpentine stitch.
I knew it would b difficult to do by hand. good luck Maybe just use the flannel

here's a GFG that I have quilted. I just quilt close - shadow quilting because the hexies are too small to go 1/4" away from the edge. As i said earlier, my stitches aren't as small as normal since i'm going thru multiple layers, they are even, so that is good.

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I had a lady friend give me a grg quilt top. She said I could do what ever I want to do with it. After makeing a trip to a quilt shop, in Kalona, Ia. And checking out how some of gfg were hand quilted. I came home, and hand quilted the 4,200 hex's with a 1/4'' inside each hex's. In time I did a lap size grg, also, for a friend.

I solved my problem. I took it apart and discovered I had not cut away the background fabric like i thought i had. The backing was also very stiff so i diluted fabric softener in a spray bottle and sprayed the fabric whic worked. I cut the background fabric away from the flower area only and switched to warm and natural batting . I quilted one section with a swirling heart design and it quilted like a dream. Thanks everyone for all the great suggestions. My other dilemma is what to work on, i have two quilts in the handquilting process and another one in the piecing stage which is going to be a wedding gift. My problem is i need to be in the mood to work on a certain project or nothing turns out right on it and right now is not the mood for anything.

Thank you for starting this post and thank you, all, for your suggestions. I have my own gfg started but stalled thinking about the quilting. Am feeling energized about getting back to it!

Oh I am the same way!! When I was young and in 4-H, my mother and I would get in the biggest arguments about my sewing on my projects. I would say the same thing--I have to be in the mood or it is RIP RIP RIP!! My mother is 84 yrs. old now. Wait til I tell her someone is just like me!!