DH is learning to hand quilt. (I am ecstatic as I only like to piece.)

What is standard stitches per inch for industrial stitches?

I'm confused as what you mean by industrial with handquilting. Starting off usually 8-9 stitches per inch. 12 per inch is expert.

I'm also confused on this one!!
I agree with sewcrafty though- 12 is considered expert. I've always thought it's better to have them consistent (even), no matter how many per inch.
Also needle size can make a difference, the higher the needle count, the smaller the needle. I use size 10 and my stitches are pretty small. But not expert lol
It takes practice, just like everything else! :)

I'd be lucky to get 3 per inch. I tried this once and failed miserably. :-(

its the 'quilt police' that dictate how many stitches per inch - do what you are comfortable with as long as they are more or less the same size I don't personally think it matters

I agree - eveness is much more important than the lenght of the stitches. Skills will improve with practice and the stitch length will change.
Hand quilting is like hand writing - every individual has it's personal style!

the consistancy is much more important than the number of stitches per inch- they tend to get smaller and smaller as you get better- even 5 stitches per inch is fine as long as the stitches all look even/balanced.

industrial sewing(done in factories on big noisy machines) and hand stitching are two very different animals, no one understands what you meant by the industrial part of your question...
unless you are wanting your hubby's quilting to look like it came from JC Penney's???

sorry-started the day double posting again

Having them evenly spaced and about the same length is the important thing. Anyone counting stitches per inch has too much free time IMHO.

I have read that 12 stitches per inch is what a hand stitcher strives for. I can't imagine being able to achieve that, I have been ripping out a quilt I stitched on my longarm at 12 spi and it is difficult to get out much less put in by hand.