I hope someone can help me. I've always wanted to attempt hand quilting the 3 layers together, versus quilting by machine in sections.
My question is.. When you start on the quilting design, do you need to back stitch or something to be sure that the stitching does not come out in the wash? Can someone PLEASE give me simple directions on how to start & stop the quilting stitches so they will be secure??
Also what is the best marking tool for a scrap quilt with MANY colors??
Thanks! :-)

Hi Jean,
I put a knot in my thread, put the needle through the back of the fabric about an inch away from where you will bring your needle up at into the top of the quilt -once you come through the top of the quilt with your needle just tug on your needle so that the knot that is resting on the backing of the quilt will "pop" through just the backing. It nestles itself into the batting. When I finish a length of thread or a row of quilting I finish with the needle to the back of the quilt , I wrap the thread twice around the needle ( Like you are going to make a french knot - if you know embroidery stitches) and I put the needle back through the hole that the thread is coming out of and bring the needle back up about an inch away and again tug that knot through - trim the thread flat with the back of the quilt.
I hope this is making sense . :? . get out something to practice on and just practice starting and stopping and you will get the hang of it.
To mark my quilts I use Dixon Cloth Markers ( they are kind of like waxy chalk) They come in red, green , blue and white ... Blue works on most every color fabric even dark ones. I make lots of scrap quilts and these seem to work best for me.
Deb

That is the same way I do it, can't go wrong.

Thanks so much! This does make since and helps alot! :-)
Has your hand - quilted quilts held up pretty well with repeated washings?
My daughter, 5 years old, loves to play and cuddle up with all my quilts. So, they get washed alot. Which is fine with me. I make them for the family to enjoy, not to win any quilting prizes. :?

My hand quilting has held up really well , have a quilt on my bed for the last 4 years and it has had repeated washings and dryings and cats laying on it and the quilting is holding up. For my daughters quilts when they were younger I used a heavier cotton thread - now I don't remember the name of it but Coats and Clarks makes it and it comes in a ball , usually in white, cream and black. Used the heavier thread and a larger needle and took bigger stitches and their's still look great after 10 years.

Hi there Faith, great tips there. I knew about the starting, but not how to finish with a french knot. makes a lot of sense though.

thanks for giving such clear instructions, it appreciated.

Elle

Faith,
Yes, thanks for such clear instructions. :-)
I also have cats that will be enjoing the quilts. :wink:
I do plan on using cotton thread for the quilting. I bought some Sulky Blendables, the colors are just beautiful!

I've also printed out these clear instructions so I can refer to them as needed! :-)

Thanks again for the help! :-)

This board is just great! :)

You are very welcome, glad I could be of help ! :D

One additional comment. For hand quilting you will be using a single thread not a double as in sewing. I have been quilting for years and use my handquilted items daily. Many of them have been washed and dryed along with my regular laundry. If a few stitches occasionally come loose just requilt them.