The size of the stitch isn't so important for a beginner. I alays preach consistency for learners; with practice, practice, practice the stitches will get smaller.......keep at it. You will never be sorry to have hand quilted an item.

I handquilt with W&N also. One of these years I'll try something else but that will be a while as I bought an entire roll of it! I also use Roxanne #11 needles. Most times I use a hoop but will sometimes use nothing as well. Loading as many stitches as possible onto your needle definitely helps in getting smaller stitches. The hardest part there is getting your first stitch as small as your first! At this point, concentrate on keeping your stitches even and they will get smaller over time. I use a Thimblelady thimble on my middle finger and keep a rubber tip on my index finger to help pull the needle through. With Thimblelady thimbles you push with the pad of your finger, not the tip. They also have quite deep dimples which help hold the needle steady.

1) It's easier to get small stitches with a very thin batting

2) It's easier to get small stitches with a tiny needles (11 or 12 - which are very hard for me to thread!)

3) It's easier to get small stitches when the sandwich has some "flex".
I also thought that the sandwich was supposed to be stretched tight when in a hoop. DUH! Worked so much better when I gave it some give.

4) Evenness and consistency of stitches is rated higher than smallness of stitches (I think)

I can do fairly even - but I just don't seem to be able to do pin-prick size stitches. And I've decided not to worry about it!

Thanks so much ladies. I too am new at hand quilting. This is all great info. Thanks for being so helpful even if I did not ask the question. Teresa

What is your favorite thread for hand quilting?

And I agree with Teresa! Thank you so much for the wonderful information. I am so glad I found this site and wish I would have when I started out. Im sure I have learned many a bad habit trying to teach myself :)

Agree with everything said. Also use your thumb to get the stitch onto the needle when it comes back up. Helps to make smaller stitches. You'll learn. Even when I start for the day my stitches will be harder to get small until I get in a rythmn. And you'll love it.

I like YLI hand quilting thread.

Janet

I am also a new quilter and I love hand quilting. Except my hands don't. :( Have you tried quilting without a hoop? I found it much easier to get a consistent small stitch. Review my photos if you like, not bragging, just as a refernce from a fellow New Quilter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDcLMiR2SAo

Yes thanks so much for asking the question and AZ Jane for the u-tude video...I learn so much from all of you.Its been a long time since I have done any hand stitching and its great to read all the great tips.
dee