How dumb was that? (Hand quilting)
 

The first time I tried to hand quilt, I thought the fabric was supposed to be tight as a drum head in the hoop/frame (one of the pvc rectangles) A smooth surface worked better for embroidery, didn't it?

It was hard to work the needle - how was I supposed to rock the needle if I couldn't get the fabric to move?

At last I realized that there has to be some "give/looseness" to the fabric so it can be maneuvered a bit. What a difference that made!

~raising hand~ Me too...and I nearly got rid of my hoop, it's one of those big ones on a stand, I forget the brand name of it.

It was your first attempt...so not dumb at all-I don't even use a hoop as I need lots of give when I quilt...I wish I had the hand dexterity to still be able to hand quilt.

I still don't seem to be able to find my mojo for hand quilting. I like hand work, but quilting just doesn't seem to click for me.

Hinterberg?

I'm another "no hoop-er". I just can't get comfortable using a hoop.

My problem is that I can't use a thimble. I need to feel the needle. I get callouses on my fingers. Wish I could use a thimble.

You have to experiment till you find the tension that is right for you, I tought that you could not handquilt without a loom or a hoop till I saw a quilter doing 12 stitches to an inch without a loom of any kind, experimentation and practice make perect as they used to say!

I only do one stitch at a time. I just can't get the hang of the rocking motion. I have hand quilted 6 full size. I figure the best way is the one you will do. There is no right or wrong.:)

At least you are figuring things out as you go along. Good luck.

YES!! :) I found it at a thrift shop for $20...

I love my Q Snap floor frame. I start with it tight as a drum to make sure there are no wrinkles anywhere. I then press gently on the surface to relax the tension to the proper give for quilting. Hey, there is always a learning curve when you start something new.

I use a thimble on my top hand, but the underhand is bare...I'm constantly poking my finger, and I wear out my nails...

I had the same problem when I started. Keep asking questions, there is no such thing as dumb question.

Look forward to seeing your work.

Totally a learning moment. I probably would have made the same mistake.

Cheers, K

How many stitches to the inch is acceptable? Hand-quilting is new to me. I have been averaging 5 stitches to an inch. I know to maintain a consistent size in the stitches in very important...just haven't figured out how to get more than 5 stitches. I can only do 2 stitches at a time to maintain stitch length consistency. I enjoy hand-quilting but I am very slow at it. Any helpful hints are appreciated. I really enjoy reading these inquiries. Thanks, Christina

I've tried a hoop and also tried a frame. Have better luck using neither one. I just have to make sure I baste or pin the quilt together so it is smooth.

Don't you hate that when you wear your thumb nail down on 1 side only!!! I started using a pad on my under thumb when it's in the hoop & on my index finger when it's out of the hoop. I always have a metal thumble on my right middle finger to push.

There is a new thimble out there. It is rubberish. I got it at my local quilt shop and it sticks to my finger very nicely. I got 6 of them in all different sizes and all different colors. They work very well. You might want to try them out.

I think I made mine tight , as I was conditioned to do this when I embroider. It took me a bit to figure out , its not the same , and let the layers relax in the frame.

Thank's for the lesson. Now I won't make that same move when I try hand quilting! It's good to see you here!
peace

I think 10 to the inch is considered very good and 12 is master, but don't quote me. I don't think there should be any pressure on you. I saw some of Kaffe Fassetts' quilts at a show and there was some very primative looking quilting on the quilts and it looked great. Don't expect to do master stitching if you are new at it. It takes practice as everything does. Just do what is comfortable and what you like!

Trial and error - that's what it's all about. I use a thimble but only on my pushing finger. I still need to feel the needle on my 'under' fingers. I just change fingers frequently but they still look like worn out pincushions by the time I'm done with a quilt.

I can't use a thimble either, but I use those little round pieces of leather that sticks to the finger. Love it, no more blood on the quilt.

Me too. I would love to be able to hand quilt but for some reason I just can not do it.

I went to a hand quilting class once and the instructor kept telling me to make the fabric tighter and then she told me about 12 times I needed to try to rock the needle for more than a couple of stitches.. I was just like DUH how and the heck am I suppose to do that. I did have fun in the class because of the other ladies but I was not thrilled with the teacher. I actually prefer to hand quilt without a frame. I just have to baste really really well.

What's the best batting for handquilting, especially for a beginner?

I did many hand quilting demonstrations on quilt shows over the years. When people looked at me while I was working many of them wer really surprised about the "looseness" of the quilt in the hoop! They tried many times to get familiar with hand quilting and they couldn't - just because they put their work too tight in the hoop. So you see: you are not alone! And now life is easier for you! :)

As already said consistency is much more important than stitch length. In my experience it depends so much of the fabric and the batting you are working with. Hand quilting is like hand writing, everybody has to find his/her own way and personal preferences and the result always looks a little different. Try to aim for regular stitches and for straightness - the stitch size will probably change while practicing.

Lots of words of wisdom....and you are not dumb, just a beginner. I don't use a hoop at all and only use the thimble on my top hand. Persistence is the key, and don't be too hard on yourself. Handquilting is addictive once you feel comfortable with it....so hang in there and happy quilting.

I think the consistancy is more important than the number per inch. That said, I think I remember reading here somewhere a good goal would be 8-10 per inch. 12 that was mentioned here earlier seems impossible to me, I can get about 5-6, but still working on being consistent. I really enjoyed hand quilting, but am really new and slow. When we were in Lancaster one of the ladies that had a shop in her home, demonstrated for me and made it look SO EASY. She was a sweetheart and very patient with me and encouraging. We can just keep practicing.

How dumb was that? (hand quilting)
 

Not dumb at all. I've tried different sized hoops and finally came up with one that is comfortable, but was still very awkward, when a QB friend told me about the position she uses (she will know who she is :o). So I tried it. I sit in my recliner with my feet propped up on the "leg extension" of the chair. Spread my knees a little and prop the hoop again my legs. I'm comfortable, but could not quilt while there was an "audience" in the room.

I do not use a hoop. I get a little pucker once in awhile but you can't tell once it is washed. If I used a hoop I would have to do one stitch at a time---to slow for me!

My first attempt was a queen size quilt (what was I thinking). I bought a frame at a garage sale, it looked like a card table with the top missing, the sides were the frame. It didn't tilt forward and I ended up with carpul tunnel in both wrists and tennis elbow....now I only do small portable projects and dont hoop at alll.

yep, been there done that too....

I use a hoop but I loosen it up a lot after it is where i want it.....it is a plastic one and is very light and easy to handle...i`ve never has a pucker yet.....well not while handquilting, and i do mostly queen size.....i`ve read somewhere that you have to handquilt at least 5 quilts before you really get the hang of it.....i am on my 5th and my stitches still aren`t even...guess i`m a slow learner ....ha ha ha

Charlee, me too. i use a thimble on my top hand, and my fingers get poked on the bottom. also. i do have several leather finger guards, but for some reason, i just haven't picked them up and used them. also, my thumb nail on my right hand is always getting worn funny looking. but, i'm hanging in there, hand quilting my jane. she isn't perfect, but more than half done.

I have a Q Snap, too, and do the same thing you do - and I love it. Easy to work on!

Personally, I like cotton over anything else. (and it drapes beautifully!)