Ever since seeing Billie Lauder demonstrate the "big stitch" technique on Simply Quilts, it is the only hand quilting I do. It is so much faster than regular hand quilting and looks great! Take Arlene's advice and watch the Billie Lauder video. If you can't open it, I taped the Simply Quilts show and would be happy to loan it to you.

Sandyl,
I really like that look with the stitching and it looks like a yummy snuggle quilt

Last month I finished doing 'Big Stitch' quilting on my D9P with heart, named the quilt 'Hugs & Kisses. Here is the link;

http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...d-t170021.html

I'm definitely going on line to check this big stitch out. Sounds like something I would like to do. All my quilts for vintage/traditional patterns so this might be what I need for them. Thanks for posting this.

I love that!

I heard it called Stab Stitch quilting, but others have referred to it as Pioneer stitch. You use embroidery floss or some other thick corded thread so you really SEE the quilting. You make large stitches, as large as you want but typically you are getting only 2-3 stitches per inch. Just like tied quilts, these large stitch quilts will not last as long if they are frequently washed, but they are warm and cozy. I use a thicker batt for it, although I believe traditionally, they simply put an old blanket in the center and quilted over it. You need a SHARP needle and a thimble. It's not really that much different from sashiko, only you use colors instead of either white or black.

My great-grandmother's last two quilts were done using a stab stitch method as she was nearly blind. They still stayed together until recently and were made in the 1940s.

I have quilted a few lap quilts using the "big" stitch method. The thread used is the pearl cotton. I used black thread and liked the "old" look it gave the quilt. Much easier, for me anyway, than hand quilting using small stitches.
The process allowed me to quilt a lap quilt in a reasonable time. If you would be interested in seeing pictures send me a PM. I'd be glad to send you pictures of the quilts I have done in the "big" stitch method.

I have used a "large stitch" in my quilts for years and love the look when a contrasting color thread is used.

I use Sulky 12 wt. cotton threads (they also have beautiful blended colors), #8 or #12 perle cotton balls, and even #10 crochet thread.
The needle I prefer is a Richard Hemming large-eye between in a 7, 8, or 9 size.
I quilt in my lap with a 14" round hoop and my stitches are about 5 to the inch (counted only on the front).

I love hand quilting, especially in the winter when I can curl up in the quilt as I work!

Jan in VA

Am in the process of big stitch quilting a king size quilt. Love doing it and love the look, is primitive and really attractive on the civil war or 30's type of fabrics. Not using a hoop, just puddle it on my lap. Had not seen the ones with the colored thread, like that too, am using beige pearl #8 and a large eyed needle. Will certainly do more this way.