hand quilting method?
 

Could someone tell me WHY you have to the middle finger of the right hand with a thimble to quilt? I do not and whenever Im corrected by other family members, they cant tell me why this is the proper way to do it. Just that this is the way to do it..

I don't want to start a family war, but you don't have to use the middle finger. Alex Anderson uses her index finger. Some quilters use their thumb. Whatever works best for you!

Janet

There is a tutorial with one of the fab quilters showing you her way here on site. Go and have a look.

I have been hand quilting for 40 years. I don't know why I use my middle finger but it has certainly made it stronger and allows me to get a lot done. I have also taught myself to quilt with both hands. My left hand is not as fast but it is great when I am working on a floor frame.

I hand quilt pushing the needle with the fingernail of my index finger and my thumb. I never properly trained myself to use a thimble so I find it awkward. The reason for using the middle finger with a thimble is to allow your thumb and index finger to be thimble free so you can grasp the needle when pulling the needle through and also for starting your new set of stitches. It is a more efficient use of time and energy doing it that way. But I do it the way I am comfortable doing it. It may take me longer but I manage and I have also achieved even close stitches.

If you want a visual to show your family members who say you are doing it "wrong", do a search on the quiltingboard for posts made by borntohandquilt. She does one stitch at a time and has won ribbons at international shows for her hand quilting. She also posted a tutorial here http://www.quiltingboard.com/tutoria...g-t142087.html on how she quilts, one stitch at a time! Also here is a sample of my hand quilting doing it "wrong" by your family member's definition using my index finger and thumb:
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Do what works for you and ignore the quilt police! I am self taught but do use the middle finger/thimble and I use a rubber finger tip on my index finger for gripping the needle. Sometimes I do one stitch at a time, most other times not...depends on the design and how thick the work is at that particular spot.

BTW - beautiful work, Feline!

I seldom use a thimble unless I get to a spot where I need to push thru and even then I don't place it on my finger..just grip and push it till I can pull the needle thru.

my hand ached too while using the middle finger for pushing the needle thru. I have more strength in my index finger than middle finger but I thought it was just me..lol

If your quilting looks just as good as theirs, then they have no position from which to argue. Tell them you'll be glad to teach them your method sometime and go on your merry way doing what works best for you. On the other hand, if you're just learning to hand quilt, maybe they're trying to teach you using the way they know best. I've found that if I'm taking any class it's best to try the instructor's methods, even if they don't seem natural to me at the time. Later on I may change the methods, but at least I've made a good faith effort at learning that person's technique, which obviously works for her.