Hand Quilting - No frame no hoop
 

I've tried and tried to hand quilt using a floor frame or a hoop. Both were so frustrating that I gave up on both of them. Now, I hand quilt in my lap but I PIN,PIN,PIN. It's working really well for me--must more relaxing and less frustrating. Anyone else do this?

Gosh, don't stress over this quirk. I've known many who quilt without hoop or frame, including award winners. You're in good company!:thumbup:

I like the floor hoop if for no other reason than to get the weight of the quilt off me. Do whatever works for you.

Glad you found a way to make it enjoyable! That is what counts.

I can't use a hoop or frame to hand quilt so I do it without. I do set my ironing board in front of me, lowered to "lap level" to help support the weight of the quilt, especially in warmer weather.

Like you, I tried every way to handquilt "traditionally". It all felt awkward. Then a friend said to try pin it really well and just do it. You know what? Now I enjoy handquilting.

I also cannot use a frame or a hoop. A quilting friend said she doesn't use a hoop so I thought I would give it a try. Now it's the only way I can do it.....and I love hand quilting!

I don't actually hand quilt but this topic has made me wonder. When you hand quilt what kind of stitch do you use? I'm guessing just a running stitch where every other stitch is seen on the front and every other one is seen on the back?

When I first started quilting 46 or so years ago I did not use a frame or anything hoops. I basted the sandwich together, spread it on the dining table and just quilted. Since about 2000 or 2002 I started machine quilting and never looked back.

I'm the same as you Teddysmom - I only do handquilting even on kingsize and use lots of pins, occasionally I can feel a wrinkle coming on the back, so just shuffle those pins around a bit, never even tried a hoop or frame.

I also have trouble with hoops and frames and also hand quilt on my lap. I find it gives me a really nice result. Even stitches etc. I have my quilts thread basted on a huge frame at the quilt group I go to. Everyone gets together to baste.

When I handquilt, I often don't use a frame or hoop. As long as it's basted well, it works.

Yes, this is the stitch I use.

I usually use a hoop but have also used none. I've never tried a floor frame of any type. Find I do too much wiggling and shifting while I quilt so I don't think a floor frame and I would ever become friends. Depending on the size of the quilt I will usually pin baste. If it's a king I will sometimes thread baste just to cut down on the weight. Do what works for you and don't look back!

If it works - it's great! A lot quilt with pins only.

No hoop or frame here either

Thanks, I now feel that I'm in good company!! No more wondering if I'm the only one who can't master the hoop or frame.

I use a hoop but think I will try to see what happens without it! I baste my quilts really well so it shouldn't be that much of a problem. hmmmmm

No hoops here and I love hand quilting!! I have found the joy of glue basting, no pins to fight, just be careful with the amount of glue and make sure to smooth any blobs!!