Question about stitches for Hand Quilters
 

Do you only use the standard running stitch on your quilt tops? Have you ever used any type of embroidery stitches like the stem stitch or chain stitch? Just curious because I am using a flower stencil in some of my squares and thought the stem stitch might be nice on the stems and the chain stitch might add a different element to the boarder. Just curious.

Thanks,
Diane

For handquilting I use only the running or quilting stitch. If you are using other stitches you could say you are really doing embroidery work......I find that difficult to do through all the layers, so I do it first, assemble the sandwich, then handquilt.

Jan in VA

I agree with Jan. Have only done a running stitch and agree that I think it would be extremely difficult to get the stitches you are thinking through all 3 layers.

Only the running stitch. I don't think I'd like the look of the embroidery stitches on the back of the quilt.

Ditto on all of the above. However, if you're wanting a decorative stitch and it's too late to work on the quilt top alone, try making the decorative stitch by NOT going through all layers. Then do an echo running stitch around the motif. Good Luck....and remember this rule: There are no rules so you Go Girl!

Thanks everyone. I really wasn't thinking about the under side and what the stitches would look like. Thanks thimblebug! Leggz48 Thats a good idea. I'll have to look closer but since I really think I can still do one of them stitches on the borders and just do regular stitching on everything else. If I do it and it looks good I'll post a picture. It will be awhile before I get to that point. But thanks again for all of your guidance.

Diane