how do you count stitches when handquilting
 

I would like to know how to count stitches when handquilting. I am using size 10 betweens.

Thanks

Why do you need to count them? I hand quilt and have never heard of counting , except in cross stitch. I'm curious about what you are doing. :)

You count the top ones and the bottom ones (for a total of one inch) and add the total together, i.e. 8 on top and seven on the bottom would give you 15 stitches to the inch. ....But....some people just count the top ones, unlike in the "old" days when they counted top and bottom...:)...it's up to you how you want to do it.

I'm a bit curious too. Have been hand quilting for 30+ years using a size 11 needle. Remember hearing years ago, that you were achieving something fantastic if you could quilt 12+ stitches per inch or something like that. Personally, that would be too much pressure for me. Maybe this is what you mean by counting stitches? I make my stitches as small and uniform as I can and enjoy the process.

Yes, I was wanting to know how to figure out how many stitches per inch I am quilting. I love to handquilt and I make my stitches small and uniform, but I was curious to know how many stitches to the inch. I also enjoy the process. Hand quilting is very relaxing for me. The only problem I have is one that I am currently working on for a granddaughter and our little dog thinks when I am working on it, she needs to lay on it. I am using a hoop so it is more portable. I have a queen size one on the frames as well.

I've always counted the stitches on the top only, but frankly, it doesn't matter. If you like how your stitches look, then it's all good. :)

I have a cat who understands how your dog feels. He'd like to sit on the frame and "help." Instead I keep him away.

Janet

What matters most with hand quilting is that your stitches are even....not the size of your stitches...well...I guess they can be too big if you only got 3 to the inch. :) You can count the stitches on the top and bottom to come up with your total stitches per inch

I enjoy hand quilting. It's very relaxing for me but the day I have to be concerned about how many stitches to the inch is the day I QUIT. I try to keep my stitches even. The operative word here is TRY but I don't stress over stitches that are not exactly even.