with twin pointed stab stitch needles. After reading about them here I bought some, tried one out and I will be able to work faster.
Not that my hands are any faster but not having to turn the needle is faster.
I am also experimenting with how many up & downs I can do between pulls.
Oh, happy day. I'm doing a happy dance.

To fall in love is a nice thing

What are they?

Tell me about those needles. I missed hearing about them.

I've thought about buying these, but I wondered what the quilting looks like on the back - I have enough trouble trying to keep my lines straight on the top surface which I can see - how hard is it to keep them straight by feel?

I'm glad to hear something good about them - thanks. :)

I can picture how they would make hand quilting a lot easier if you do a stab stitch.

Interesting post. I had not heard of them. I had plans to handquilt this winter. I'll give one a try. Thanks.

these sound scary to me. Is it hard to avoid pricking fingers?

It's a #10 needle that's 1-3/4" long. The eye is in the middle. One holds the needle a little bit off center - not at the eye.

I push down with my left hand and grab from underneath with my right. When I stop pushing, I close my right fingers on the shaft and pull. Since I didn't need to move my entire hand I just open the receiving fingers until needed.

I then move the point over the distance of the stitch and push upwards through the quilt.

Repeat the above only now I'm pushing with my right hand and pulling with my left fingers.

I still seem to be limited to only 30 minutes before my hands start to hurt but I getting more work done. :lol:

never heard of them before

is this them?

http://www.amazon.com/Twin-Point-Sti.../dp/B001IKCIQA

What will they think of next.

So glad they are working for you.

Yes

I think that using the twin-pointed needles keep the stitches on the back in better alignment than when using a regular needle. With a regular needle I have to pull the needle completely free of the quilt, turn it around and insert it back in. I know I'm close but highly doubt I've kept a neat line of stitching.

Reasonable price at Amazon. Always wondered about those. May just have to try them! Thanks for the report!

Very cool! Thank you - I might have to try some of these. :)

sounds like more work and tiring to the hands! do you have the quilt in a hoop or frame?

Actually my thumbs hurt less than when I use a regular needle. I can work longer! :D
The quilt in on an Inspira frame for FMQ and I use an office chair to roll from side to side.

Update on the needles: Having the eye in the center is a weak spot. I've broken one needle and the 2nd is slightly bent. I still love them. Tomorrow I'm going to my LQS to see about ordering a box. Having thought about it I've decided to look at broken needles as expendable tools. The reduction in pain is worth the expense.