how do you count stitches per inch for hand quilters
 

When hand quilting what is the standard way to count the stitches per inch? Is it the ones with thread visible from the top or those and the spaces (stitches below)? When people ask, I always wonder which they are refering to. When I sold antique quilts online I always just mentioned that I counted top stitches only just to be precise. I am interested in how the members view this.

I've always tho't it was the number of threads showing on top. Interested to know what it really means.

I was once told it was the top and bottom stitches combined...Actually when I started I was obsessed with counting stitches...I drove myself crazy!! Now I just aim for even and neat and try not to count~!

Hmmmmm....I've wondered the same also. Hope someone gives you an answer. I'll be watching.

My understanding is that the "old-timey" GOOD quilters counted top and bottom...so, if you were counting 8/inch on top you actually were doing 16/inch...I hand-quilted for years but was never able to do them that small.

I think different quilters count different ways. In "That Perfect Stitch," Deidre McElroy says to count only the stitches on the top. Frankly, it's not really needed unless you're going into the hand quilting business, or if you're selling antique quilts. :)

Janet

I was told that you count both the stitches that show on the top and the ones in-between on the bottom to get the "stitches per inch," but what is most important is that they should be evenly sized and spaced.

I always answer this question with another question to the one who ask the question.........."How do you count stitches" If they say top and bottom then I answer accordingly......and if they say only top, then I answer accordingly.
To my knowledge there is no "standard" answer.

Holice, that is great advice. I shall remember that.
I can manage small stitches sometimes but it takes concentration to do it consistently. I do so enjoy the process and am disappointed when I finish one. For me, it is all about the process. Have very few that I have kept.

I like counting the top and bottom - only because I just counted by current project and it's 20 stitches per in!! WOW!! :)

Let me add that I find the batting that I use makes a big difference. I currently am using Dream cotton -Request. It's a thin batting, and that's what is allowing me to get the tiny stitches.