First off, after the wonderful welcome I received a while back, I disappeared. I knew I was not able to work on the quilt I started til later in the year. While I should also be here to support others...I had nothing to contribute yet. Sorry....

My question - anyone know of a video that shows hand quilting from different angles?

I mean...if you sit and hand quilt, I assume you do not move around or move around the quilt so much so that....you are always quilting in a direction that is towards you. Anyone know what I mean? It is hard to describe but I started Sunday working on the quilt I started earlier in the year and it seems I can only go from right to left in a downard fashion.

I was looking for a video that shows how people hand quilt in other directions (I assume they do...right?). I tried YouTube and a list from DonnaRae (from this site). I think I have the basic rocking down (with improvement to be made!)...just need to know how to quilt in other directions.

Anyway...sorry to ramble.

Actually I do continually move the quilt to favor the needle going in a direction that is easy for me. So far I have done some lap sized quilts. I have two tops for a queen sized bed but have not started the hand stitching yet.

To answer your question.........you might try Youtube. They seem to have videos about everything.

If you are hand quilting with a lap frame then there is not a problem--just turn the frame with your quilt in it and you are always quilting in the direction that is most comfortable to you. A floor frame does have some limitations and if you have difficulty quilting away from yourself then you may want to consider a lap frame.

I cant quilt away from myself and I have seen videos on the subject! But sorry, dont remember where they are. I use a hoop so I can turn it as needed.

as others have said, I quilt only in the direction that seems natural to me and use a hoop to move the quilt to fit my style also. I've learned a lot on youtube there are videos on everything, if not---ask a local quilter's group if you could visit. Bring goodies & they're likely to share some tips. There are also other online sites for video clips and check your local library to see if a group meets there or hang out in the quilting section or visit a local quilt shop. Someone is bound to help you in person.

I know Alex Anderson had a show on hand quilting on Simply Quilts at one time. I actually learned alot from that particular show. You might want to try to look for it thru HGTV's website or google Simply Quilts.
I use a lap quilt so I can move in whatever direction is comfortable for me.

Thank you for your advice and words.

I think I started out wrong cause I was using alot of pins instead of basting. I need to baste I bet and that will help. When I was shifting the quilt around, I was getting poked by the pins or they were coming out. I was beginning to wonder if I should be knowing how to work in different directions. Thank you for helping me feel better.

Of course I am working on a twin sized quilt....probably large for a beginner. I have to realize that this is my first one, it will not be perfect and that I should treasure something I did by hand with all imperfections!

I see all the wonderful works in the Pictures section and I hope I can become half as proficient as others. I remember when joining that some work stood out. I think mgshaw had one (if you liked the civil war fabrics) if I remember right. There are alot of inspirational people here.

Anyway...thanks again!

A tip that was given during a hand quilting class I took is to apply 'Skin Shield' on the finger that catches the needle under the quilt. It is like a liquid bandage & protects the finger a little bit. You will be able to feel the needle soon than the little plastic pads you buy to put on the finger.

Rob, don't worry about what it will look like.....everyone was a beginner at one point. Actually my first one was a full/almost queen size. I am like several others, I use a lap quilt and move it so that I can sew in direction most comfortable for me. One major thing I learned from message boards is to NOT have the quilt tight in the frame, giving it some slack will make it easier to rock.

Good luck and be proud of what you do, no matter what it looks like.