i use hand quilting thread, it is heaver and stronger

Practice, Practice is what I keep hearing about hand quilting...I have done some yrs ago, and have the itch to do somemore, maybe start w/ a small project .

I use size 11 sharps but you can kinda feel out what size works best for you. My mother wont use anything but size 8. I use hand quilting thread that I can find...as long as it says hand quilting on it. The frame is a personal prefferance. I like my pvc lap frame the best so I can work anywhere but I have used anything from a hoop to a large floor frame made of 2x2's. I think it's all in what works for you and the quilt you are working on.

I tried a hoop, hubby made me a pvc frame, I prefer to hand quilt without either. If you pin baste it well enough you can do this. I prefer it because I can sit anywhere and get comfy and quilt away.

Here are some links I found for hand quilting:

101 Beginner Hand Quilting - Guides - Patterns - Instructions
A lovely, intricately designed quilt can make anybody think of taking a week off and making one for one's own self. ... Beginner Quilting - Introduction to Basic Hand Quilting...
www.quilthowto.com/ www.quilthowto.com/ · Cached

Amish Hand Quilting for Custom Handcrafted Amish Quilts and
Our Amish quilters from Ethridge, Tennessee, can quilt your top or custom make special order quilts to your individual specifications. ... Hand quilting is our business. Our Amish quilters...
www.amishhandquilting.com/ www.amishhandquilting.com/ · Cached

20% Off Perfect Hand Quilting Without Pain now w/ DVD by Liuxin
Perfect Hand Quilting Without Pain is about healthy quilting. ... Perfect Hand Quilting Without Pain ; New Revised Edition with DVD...
www.softexpressions.com/software/books/PerfectHdQlt.php

20% Off Perfect Hand Quilting Without Pain now w/ DVD by Liuxin
Perfect Hand Quilting Without Pain is about healthy quilting. ... Perfect Hand Quilting Without Pain ; New Revised Edition with DVD...
www.softexpressions.com/software/books/PerfectHdQlt.php
More Results from www.softexpressions.com

The Quilting Bee: Hand Quilting Around Quilt Frames
Because of this some quilting bees were a bit exclusive. In these cases being skilled at hand quilting would be a social asset.
www.womenfolk.com/quilting_history/quilting.htm www.womenfolk.com/quilting_history/quilting.htm · Cached

DawnPages -- Hand Quilting
Put one hand underneath the piece you are quilting on. Push the needle through with the other hand until you feel it just prick your finger, then push it up to the top again.
www.reddawn.net/quilt/handqlt.htm www.reddawn.net/quilt/handqlt.htm · Cached

Quilters Threads- your source for fine quilting and machine
Learn new quilting and fiber art techniques through Quilters Keep Learning ... We are accumulating a roster of wonderful teachers from all over. We have the United States, Canada,
www.quilterskeeplearning.com/ www.quilterskeeplearning.com/ · Cached

Here is a pic of the ones I use. I am doing a full size right now, almost done!!! And have a King size ready to go. I am currently using a dritz quilters betweens needle size 9. I have a box of lily hand quilting thread that was my Great Aunts and I love it but have also used Coats thread. The idea is to keep your stitches as even as you can shorter stitches come with practice. I am not there yet!!! I love the look of hand quilting and I can do it in the evenings in front of TV. This is only the second time I have used the bigger frame my aunt found it for $2.00 at a resale shop. I am finally getting the hang of the frame altho I have to turn it alot. The smaller hoop I like to use in the car when traveling. It is 14 inches across.

I have a large free standing hoop that I have a baby quilt in.. I have also quilted without a frame and close pinning/basting is a must. One mistake I made at first is don't stretch the quilt too tightly it should have plenty of give so you can "work" the fabric.. I use a size 12 needle from Roxannes Foxglove Cottage.. I have found that the smaller the needle the smaller the stitches I make.
I see nothing wrong with using the same thread for piecing (if by hand) and quilting. I like Gutermann hand quilting thread for both. if you're using a quilting thread that has no "finish" you may want to invest in a cake of beeswax.
And keep your thread a reasonable length or it will twist and tie up on you, and that's a mess.. trust me.
I like to thread at least a whole packet of needles onto the spool at once and then just pull one out, and cut off my length of thread. I hate having to thread needles when I'm "in the zone" quilting. Have a wonderful time and enjoy.

Okay this may sound like a stupid question but do the hoops imprint wash out easily?
Tippy that is a good idea on threading several needles at once.
Maybe I should make a small like 24 x 24 doll quilt for my daughter and try hand quilting that before I attempt a 60 x 60?
Up North that is a beautiful quilt in the hoop!
Thank you all for the suggestions-I really do appreciate the input and guidance!
Hugs
April

This is the frame I just got last year. It was SUPPOSED to be about $109.00, but when Jim went in to get it for me, he had a 40% off coupon.

I have never had a problem with the imprints from the hoop. They go away by themselves, and I don't even wash the quilts, (until they need it).