Hand Quilting - Innie or Outtie ?
 

I am learning to hand piece (lot's of fun and very relaxing) and now we are learning to hand quilt! I am finding it very difficult to use a hoop, a thimble and such a short needle. I have fat little fingers and the process of rocking the needle with the thimble seems to be very difficult. I tried quilting without the hoop and without a thimble and I did much better and my shoulders were not as tense. My question to all is do you prefer to quilt "in the hoop" or "out of the hoop". Pros and cons of each? Thanks.

For me, quilting in the hoop is much easier. The secret is to have your quilt quite 'loose and saggy' in the hoop. It should move up and down 3 or 4 inches. Lots of people quilt without a hoop as well. It is whatever is easiest for you.

I prefer a quilt frame to a hoop. I like that it holds my 3 layers securely without basting, and the quilt is off my lap and away from the cat (particularly in summer!). I've never been able to quilt without a hoop or the frame, and since you have to baste really well to keep the layers from shifting, I'm not apt to try it anytime soon.

I think some new quilters have trouble with the hoop because they keep the quilt sandwich tension too tight, like you would for embroidery. That's why hoopless quilting is so attractive to some.

However, in the end it doesn't matter - no one will ever know how you hand quilted, just that you did. Good luck with your quilting!

Janet

I quilt in my lap. I find that's easier for me and I just make sure I pin, pin, pin when I sandwich the quilt. As long as the top, batting and backing are smooth and tight, it works really well. I also couldn't get the rocking motion and a thimble just gets in my way. Try the lap method. I have a frame and I just use it to keep the quilt off the floor. Just attach the quilt on 3 sides and have the 4th side in your lap. It works!!!

I do both in and out of the hoop. Not sure I could get used to a frame having to sit in one spot for any extended period. I usually pin baste but if it's really big, like a king, I thread baste just to cut down on some of the weight. In either case I secure the layers about a hand-width apart in all directions. As others have said, if you're using a hoop, make sure your sandwich is quite loose - much, much easier to quilt that way. You can also use whatever needles work for you - they don't have to be 'betweens' although as you get more proficient, you'll probably find that you have more control with the shorter needle. Betweens are a bit stronger than the longer needles as well and don't bend as much. It will take some time, but just find a combination of elements that work for you - in/out of the hoop; type needle; with/without a thimble; type of thimble; all kinds of variations. If you can, only change one element each time you quilt so you learn with combination of elements work best for you.

I find the batting to be my worst enemy. If you are using a thick batting, try a small piece and use the thinnest cotton batting available. I love quilters dream batting. I use #10 between needles and a homemade rack. I agree with NJ Quilter. Just keep trying one thing at a time till you find your niche. If you don't like pin basting talk to a longarmer about basting for you. Makes a large project so much easier to handle and worth the fee for most people.

I use in the hoop, but as others have posted the key is to keep it really saggy in the hoop. I also only use the leather dot thimble on my pushing finger. I couldn't make it work with any of the solid thimbles, the leather dot sticks to your finger and is a small circle of leather.

Definitely without a hoop or frame. I use a leather thimble on my middle finger and a finger cot on my thumb and go to town. The trick to doing it this way is to pin, pin, pin or in other words baste it heavily. I'm lefthanded and I tried the frame and a hoop and hated them. Each to his own but that is my preference :^)

I don't do much hand quilting but do like to do it. I kind of use the Thimble Lady's method. She uses a lap hoop and keeps the fabric very loose. She uses a side thimble and a very long thin needle. I love her thimble and needles (you can order from her). You can find her website and she has videos of her method. I prefer not to use a hoop but probably didn't give it enough time to get used to it.

Diannia

I prefer to quilt out of the hoop. I have quilted in the hoop but it was just to akward. I don't pin or thread baste anymore. I spray baste!!! I love it. I use June Tailors spray baste and it holds amazing well without shifting. I haven't tried it on a huge quilt yet, only up to about a twin. Next big quilt I do myself is getting it though :) Good luck, best thing you can do is find what works best for you because everyone has a different preference.
Happy Quilting,
Mal