Hand quilting help
 

I made these two wall hangings. I'm have the faces left to do on the snowman one. I am going to try to hand quilt them. I've watched some YouTube videos and think I can do it. My question is should I buy a hoop? What size should I get. The measurements are 22 x 22 and 16 1/2 x 16 1\2. I did buy some hand quilting thread. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Very nice wall hangings! I would recommend you begin with a practice piece before starting in on the actual quilts.

I quilt with a 12" hoop. It may have to do with short arms, but I've had trouble quilting in a larger hoop. I think 14" is the size I've seen recommended the most. You'll have to baste or pin fabric around the perimeter of your quilts in order for the hoop to be functional when you're quilting nearer the edges.

I know from past discussions that many people hand quilt with no hoop, and that might be more convenient for small pieces like this.

I find it easier to hand quilt without a hoop. Especially something this small.

I think the homespun star one would look super cute with big stitch hand quilting. You could give quilting without a hoop a try on these smalls. If you find it awkward you can always go for a hoop later.

Go for it. I like to quilt small quilts without a hoop. Love your 2 quilts.

You have done a great job on these wall hangings. However you quilt them, they will only get better.

I've quilted over 300 quilts, all by hand. some smaller ones 24 x 24 I do in one section, larger ones like queen and kind, I do in rows or sections, then sew them together. I've never used a hoop. just baste well and off you go. it's really very easy. Have fun.

that's quite an accomplishment, lynnie.

I couldn't work out how to do hand-quilting with a hoop and almost gave up on it. However, without a hoop I was fine! Just try out what works best for you.

I agree with feline fanatic. Start quilting the homespun quilt first doing a big stitch with black thread. Your mistakes won't show up and it will give you some practice with hand quilting.

Pics not showing on my comp.

Finally came up had to reboot computer. Adorable. Whatever works for you.

I've tried hoops, I have two which were given and just couldn't deal with them. If I want big stitches I don't use a hoop. If I want smaller stitches I put it on my grace frame.. I do agree to get some scrap fabric and try it both ways for practice. Not everyone stitches the same. It's what makes you comfortable.

I baste using the curved pins and I use a 14" pvc round hoop that I got in the quilt section of JoAnn's several years ago. This isn't the same as an embroidery hoop, just similar. Have done all sizes from wall hanging to queen size in it. I find this more convenient than a floor frame. I've also tried a square snap-on but didn't care for that as much as the hoop. It might work better for a small piece that one wouldn't have to keep moving the frame to the next unfinished area? There's no right or wrong in quilting--just what you prefer and find easiest for yourself. I used to use my mother's big floor frame with the ratchet bars and liked it until I began using a hoop. I do like the tension that I was able to use with the bars but the big frame is "in the way". Quilting in a hoop makes it portable, can put it out of the way if need to clear space for visitors, etc, but what I like best of all is being able to turn the work so my hands and wrists don't have to do the contortions working in and out of the designs if using a stationery frame.

Your wall hangings are very nice. You have done a great job! I hand quilt without a hoop when doing small projects because it is more comfortable for me. You have received good advice from other members, so just go for it and let us know how you do!

I don't use a hoop; I just pile the quilt around me, smooth the area I am working on, and quilt. I do, however make a practice piece to use for a few minutes prior to starting on the quilt; I find my stitches look better if I practice just a few minutes before graduating to the main quilt. Just my thoughts on this.

Perhaps you can try both ways, with a hoop and without and decide what you feel most comfortable with. I usually use a hoop, but that's just me.

I have purchased hoops in different sizes and I still go back to hoopless lap quilting.

For something small I use a hoop usually 14" and sometimes 12" if it is a small project. I also have two size oval hoops that I love and use those actually more than the round.

I prefer a hoop or a floor frame, but one thing you need to know is that you make the tension of the quilt in the hoop much looser than you do when using a hoop for hand embroidery. It is almost impossible to quilt a tight quilt. Put it in the hoop where it is nice and smooth and then loosen it up to where, as some describe it, it looks like your cat took a nap in it. You will find it much easier to quilt that way. I like the idea of doing the star one with big stitch to help you practice. It takes time, so don't give up too soon. Also, it is worth forcing yourself to learn to use a thimble. It feels SOOOO awkward at first, but after awhile you won't notice it is there. (Kind of like wearing glasses for the first time.)

I quilt with a 14" hoop, I have one with a stand that rests on your knees so you don't have to support the quilt with your arms, I pin the quilt and then go at it.