Any hints for perfecting this stitch? I’m using it on Hawaiian quilt appliqué and the points and valleys are quite a challenge. Leslee has shown me how to do the basic stitch, now I need to perfect it. Every site I've seen on the net seems to confuse the issue even more with their illustrations.

Steve have you checked out the site foe Alex Andersons old show ..Simply Quilts? try this... http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/pac_ctnt_988/text/0,,HGTV_22056_58466,00.html then hit the video tips. Didi McElroy gives a three part series on the aspects of hand quilting. Hope this helps if not we'll try again. OK :D

The person that taught me said to make SMALL stitches and to sew just under the edge of the fabric to help hide them. Works for me.

I've only got dial up so it isn't something I can readily view. But thanks, I do appreciate your taking the time to find it. I'll just write down the URL and when I'm at a friends house that has DSL give it a view. Thanks again.

Yeah Norah, I noticed small stitches work well, but the points and valleys are still tricky. I've gotten the straight runs down fairly well. Almost need a microscope (and my bifocals)! :D

ok . well until then......if you place your needle just under the edge where it is turned and then go through to the fabric you ar appliqueing it on to...and come back up just at and under the edge again ...you will be doing a wonderful slip stitch. try it and see. also on the points and valleys.....take an extra small stitch to anchor the point . Make sure you have the fabric turned and tucked then continue on..the extra stitch helps to keep the point there. Valleys are ususally on the bias so small stitches help there and keeping a smoother turn helps.
:D

Thanks; you know I'm just probably making more of it than there really is (again). Patience is the virtue, which is its own reward. I looked at the little I've done now and think: "Hey, you just learned this, give yourself some slack." It really is amazing to see it take shape as the raw edges go under.

I found a small grease mark on the fabric this morning and panicked, thinking "Oh no, I'll have to start over", then laughed remembering I can always wash the thing later on. Soooo... silly.

Silly Steve, yup, that's me!

Truly Steve...it would probably blow our minds to find the things that get on them as we work them through. :roll: But like you say....It will wash! Glad to hear you are easing up on yourself. Us recovering perfectionists really need to do that once in awhile :D

Silly Steve, I love your attitude. You are a true trooper. :D

No, I really am just silly, honest.

I think what I like most about this board is that it verifies the human condition and quilting as common denominators.