Hand quilting
 

I am trying to teach myself to hand quilt and it is not going so good. I think I need some advice
from the pros here on the board. I feel like I am all fingers, some of my stitches are bigger then others and I don't know really what to do with my left hand under the quilt. Can anyone please help.
Thank you so much

Have you looked to see if a LQS has a class?? Usually hand quilting classes are the most reasonable priced classes at least they use to be at my former LQS.

Some good stuff on youtube....I process it better when I can actually see how people do it. Oh and patience is a great friend with practise you will get there.

Craftypete, The 1st thing I'd suggest is to watch some videos on YouTube. Everyone does things just a little different. I like to quilt without a hoop but a close friend only likes to use a hoop. I prefer longer needles and not the short quilting needles. I quilt coming toward myself and not sideways. It's best to practice on small things first like mug rugs.
You might try using perle cotton (#8) and a crewel needle and doing big stitch quilting until you get comfortable.
Good luck and keep at it.

The two best books I found on hand quilting are 'That Perfect Stitch' by Roxanne McElroy, and 'Perfect Hand Quilting without Pain', by Liuxin Newman. The first shows the traditional quilting stitch, and can probably be found at your local library (or on amazon); the second shows a slightly different method developed by a woman who found the traditional method problematic; I bought mine used on amazon.

It's hard to explain the mechanics of hand quilting without visual aids. It's such a difficult thing to describe -- a delicate balance of actions and tensions. I believe that for most people, it takes a good deal of practice getting it right. I would strongly recommend that you start on a practice piece, not on a quilt that you want to turn out really well. :)

I don't know what's available on YouTube, but there's bound to be some demos.

You use your left hand to feel that the needle has gone through all 3 layers.

If you use a hoop or frame, be sure the quilt is loose in the hoop. You don't want it stretched taut.

I agree with others to watch some youtube videos and take a class if you can.

When i took a class at my LQS the lady provided a sandwich piece about 15 inch square. She had put a couple lines on it so we could get started faster and have something to follow. She also gave us ideas on how to mark out pieces in the future and we were able to try a couple on our sandwich. Then she told us how she does it. There is always one person in a class that has to say there is an easier way or a different way but this lady basically said they had paid money for her to teach her method so that was what she was going to do. But there was no hoop and it was a rocking motion - fairly easy and most like Roxanne McElroy's version and Georgie Bonesteel's. Anyway, she suggested we keep the practice piece for the future because it always helps to start with a few warm up stitches before getting into your actual quilt. And I found she was right. I still do a few inches to get my flow and then work on the quilt.

Not sure if that will help you much - I always want to make every stitch count but for some reason I have found a few warm-up stitches help.

There is a video from an old Simply Quilts episode, Liuxin Newman shows her method of quilting using a clear plastic. She uses a hoop but it shows what she does above an below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zej-2uIyLY0

Good luck!

thanks for that link! it's a very interesting method

I am a self-taught quilter for the most part. That said, I was fortunate enough to start my quilting adventure when Simply Quilts with Alex Anderson was still on the air. And I had a friend who is also a hand quilter. I agree with all the folks who suggest either a class at your LQS or try videos. Perhaps your local library has some videos available as well.

I, agree, it usually takes a few stitches to get your rhythm going. Size of your stitches is not as important as the consistency of the size of your stitch. Over time, your stitches will become smaller. I've tried the longer needles but am more fond of the smaller quilting 'betweens'. I think they are a sturdier needle. Find yourself a thimble that you are comfortable using. I use a 'thimblelady' thimble. It's a bit longer than a traditional thimble; open-ended; and you push with the pad of your finger vs the tip, thus making it (certainly for me) a more comfortable action.

I use a thimble on my middle finger; have a rubber finger tip (like used to be used to count pages/money) on my index finger. Easier for me to grip the needle when finished with that group of stitches. The under finger gets quite pricked and eventually calloused from feeling that needle tip coming through. There are implements out there to help with that but I've never gotten comfortable with any of them.

Hand quilting is a skill that typically takes quite a bit of practice before becoming proficient. Keep at it...you'll get there. It's all about the process. Not a race.

Totally agree.

My best advice is practice, practice, patience, & practice. Hand quilting is like many other things in life we no longer have to concentrate on to do it. As all have said lots of good video's on YT and practice, practice. I believe Craftsy also has some classes and sometimes they are on sale. I can tell you though alot depends on the batting, and the top. Also if you quilt very close to the ditch or 1/4 inch away from the ditch. But overall, practice is the key. My way of HQ'ng is different than most, So find your comfort zone and don't give up.

Thank all of you so much for your advice on hand quilting I will keep trying.
Pat

I am left-handed and hand quilt toward my body; righties quilt away from themselves. I use a hoop that sits in my lap so I can keep my right hand underneath. Do not have the hoop so tight that you can "bounce a quarter on it." Keep a practice piece to warm up on every time before you start on your "real" quilt. Your fingers and brain will remember the skill after much practice, but always warm up. I have a treasured "Tommie Lane" thimble which never leaves my home. It has a cut out for the fingernail and is my favorite ever thimble. Also, do not obsess about making such tiny stitches at first; concentrate on making them even, even if they look large to you. As you gain experience, your stitches will become smaller. Friends of mine like Roxanne needles, # 10. The do not bend as easily. I prefer John James needles, size 10. Have fun on your journey.

Hand Quilting to me doesn't have to be Perfect. Its your Love working on this Project that is told in the Story of your stitches.. Machine Quilting to me is very Cold and Mechanical.no matter the pattern..... I would love any thing hand Quilted = It has more personality and Warmth...Would feel like I was being Hugged by the Quilter... ! ! ! ! :)

When I first tried hand quilting, I did a small piece -- an Ohio star block with an appliqued heart in the center of it -- that I thought really looked good. The colors I chose were nice, my stitches were even, and the heart seemed to float above the rest of the block. I was very proud. The ladies in the group kept making fun of my "toenail grabbers," though, so I've done my quilting on the sewing machine ever since. I admire and envy the talent and skill it takes to do a really nice hand-quilted piece of work.

Just do it. Consistent is more important than small. Quilting is an art, no two should be the same. There is just something special with a hand quilted item. Try to remember, each stitch is a stitch of love. While I am stitching, it seems my stitches are too big. After I step away for a bit, they sre perfect (in my eye). While you are checking out videos, try one more, hoopless hand quilting.

What were the 'toenail grabbers'? Big stitches? I'm sorry their comments put you off hand quilting!

You have some great answers here. I'm self taught also, and taking some time on line with youtube videos is a nice help. So much out there to watch. Stitches will vary as you are starting out, and don't let that worry you. Work on practice pieces. My first project was a king size quilt as a gift. You would laugh at how big my stitches were. It really does get better with practice. Your left hand will be your "eyes" behind the quilt. As you watch the videos, you will see a couple of ways to work you needle. Rock it or poke it. I found that poking the needle through the top, and coming back up through the bottom worked better for me when I started out. I had more control over the fabric. Also, it was tight in a hoop, keeping it flat. Rocking a needle through came later, and you need more slack. Georgia Bonesteel gives great tutorials. Check if your local quilt shop has classes, or a group that you can sit in on and watch. You could also contact a local quilt guild to find if someone will work with you. Feel free to PM me if I can help you in any way. I understand your challenge.

I am determined to learn the hand quilting method using Aunt Becky's Finger protector on the underneath hand. I hate getting my finger pricked. I googled Aunt Becky's and found this great video. There are also some other videos if you google it.

Video for aunt becky quilting tool► 15:34► 15:34
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeKrAHJKAwU
Sep 5, 2014 - Uploaded by LuAnn Kessi
Learn the proper way to use the Aunt Becky's Finger Protector. ... Aunt Becky's and includes ...

I watched a live demo by The Thimblelady http://www.thimblelady.com/ at the Houston Quilt Festival last week. She doesn't use a hoop, and she doesn't prick her bottom finger. It is worth the time to watch her YouTube. Visit her website for tools and books.

I use a spoon w a "v" cut in the end as my under finger as my under hand has no feeling. took some getting use to but it works for me:).

Oh how I wish you lived close to me as I love showing people how to hand quilt. I guess because I love to hand quilt.

Watch some videos on Youtube to get information, and everyone has a different style that works for them, so just keep trying different ways until you feel comfortable with what is happening. Practice, practice. Take a class from someone who can offer you suggestions. Ask around you just might find someone who is willing to spend a little time demonstrating and helping you out.

I use tape on my underneath finger -- it needs to be replaced often because I go through to the back till I can feel the needle come through, and as a result I poke myself -- and often.

One more thing: Blood. Yes, you can take out your blood with your own spit. Dampen a light cloth with some of your spit and dab the blood out. Your spit won't work on my blood, but it will work on yours.

Good luck and please let us know how you make out.

Very useful - thank you.

Check out the following for a video on how to do hand quilting

http://quiltville.blogspot.ca/2012/0...up-monday.html

Aunt Becky's Tool is called Finger saver and costs $3.00 available thru
connecting threads, they also carry the Dritz Themal Thimble.

I hope this helps you.

Sugar poured onto blood, will absorb fresh blood, vacuum it up, then add club soda to the spot, and blot with paper towel - also works well on spilled red wine. Just ask me about white carpets and blood, never could tell there was ever red wine or blood on the carpet - just as good as new!!!!!