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-   -   Needing help with handquilting. (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/needing-help-handquilting-t86703.html)

dakotamaid 01-01-2011 07:45 AM

This site has some good pointers for quilters with low vision. I like the one that uses tape to make your quilting lines than stitch beside it.

http://www.visionaware.org/what_woul...uilting_easier

ann clare 01-01-2011 08:01 AM

Welcome from Ireland. We have many hand quilters here on the board. Sorry about your sight. Nine patch and rail fence are good patterns. I use masking tape to mark my quilting lines. Please ask for what you want to know. Somebody here will help you. I find the search button on the top a great help. Your quilt is beautiful.

Cyn 01-01-2011 08:53 AM

I hand quilt all the time! Stitch in the ditch is easiest, I think.

117becca 01-01-2011 09:10 AM

i will disagree w/ the stitch in the ditch for hand quilting - I can't see where i've been when i stitch in the ditch. Constantly have to feel or look on the back to see where i've been. For me, it is not fun...

I like the idea of marking w/ tape - it is easy to feel w/ the needle.

Jim's Gem 01-01-2011 01:42 PM

Welcome to the board from Southern California!!!!

mommafank 01-01-2011 02:17 PM

Invest in an Ott light that is portable. I could not do my hand work without it.

lclang 01-01-2011 03:02 PM

1. Get a good lamp with a bright light that sits near a comfortable chair so you can see as well as possible.
2. Be patient with yourself. Make a few small items, potholders, table runners, etc. and use them for practice.
3. I do better without any hoop. I pin, baste, or glue the project so it will not slip and just quilt in my lap, this makes it easier to get up closer to my face or nearer to the light if necessary.
4. Practice, practice. Remember it isn't necessarily the size of the stitch but how even it is that is important. That comes with practice.
5. Post what you make for us and tell us what problems you are having. Perhaps we can be of more help.
6. You can use contrasting thread if that helps you to see your work better.
I just had cataract surgeries and still can't see until I get new glasses so I can relate. I will probably be shocked to see how much cleaning I have missed around my house because I couldn't see! May not like some of my color combinations in quilt tops either when I can really see what I did! HA

LAB55 01-01-2011 03:14 PM

Hello from Western Maryland !!

teddysmom 01-02-2011 03:13 AM


Originally Posted by Cyn
I hand quilt all the time! Stitch in the ditch is easiest, I think.

I also hand quilt. An instructor suggested I stitch in the shadow which is 1/4" from the seam. I mark it with an somelthing that can be seen but also can be erased. You might want to try that.

didi 01-02-2011 06:20 AM

I do some Hand Quilting, I use the Decatur Knot when tying off my Hand Quilts. Been around for awhile, my grandmother taught me. Should be able to get instructions off internet. If not, will be willing to mail instructions to you.


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