What ever works for you, there are no rules.
:) :)

I always use a hoop,but I think it depends on what's comfortable for you.I don't think I could hand quilt without a hoop!But that is the way I was taught.

I do not know about without a hoop but 1. smaller stitches come with time, your fingers are not strong enough when you begin. Even stitches are more important than size. For the rocking stitch you must start with the your hand palm down, needle perpendicular to your quilt with your hand under the quilt pushing up to make quilt taut. Then you rock your hand to it's right side not pushing under the quilt as much (think of your hand under the quilt as the tension on your sewing machine....tight for entering quilt from top, looser when making stitch) , make a stitch, rock it back to starting position, and continue. For a beginner just doing 1 stitch or 2 is all you need. More stitches will come with time. There are many who never do more that 1 stitch at a time and their work is fantastic. No right or wrong way here. It sure is worth trying. You might find you really enjoy. To me it is like relaxing and rocking in a comfy old rocker. Only difference is it is my hand that is rocking and not my body.
Donna

My greatest problem is getting the right needle and thimble that will stay on. I am presently using a self-threading needle about1 3/4 long and a leather tube thimble with a metal dimpled insert on the end. It does make a difference in the lenght and evenness of my stitches. And I am not useing a hoop. I am doing an undulating feather pattern for a 4 inch border and it is going well.

Thanks for all the great suggestions!!!! My Turning 20 is looking better, especially now since I've done some ripping. My next one will even be better I'm sure. But was wondering if anyone has a cute baby quilt pattern. Would love to do something with ladybugs.

I started hand quilting a quilt in 1998 and broke my back that year in December. I now have the quilt half finished in a hand quilting frame. I am thinking of removing it to finish. Any suggestions? Then I need to get rid of that stand.

When I hand pieced and quilted I always used a hoop to hold the fabric taught. Actually my only class on quilting was for hand quilting, and she taught us with a hoop. For me it was easier and my work looked better. But many don't use hoops.

I recently read this tip - in a quilting magazine. Several years ago when I was quilting I thought it had to be snug, like for cross stitch or embroidery. Now that I am getting back into quilting I plan to use this method. the article said when you have it in the hoop you should be able to press on the center of the fabric and it should touch the table top.

Frarose - what position would you like to quilt in? I use hand-held frames rather than a floor frame, generally an 11" x 17" Q-snap, and I quilt on the sofa or in bed due to disability. I use rocking stitch rather than stab stitch and can't quilt in all directions, so quite apart from the back position I'd never get on with one of those floor frames.

Other hand-quilting tips: I discovered big eye size 11 between needles a while back and absolutely adore them, and I use an Aunt Becky on my under-finger to stop it from getting pricked.

Hi, You know the last name of Earl does sound familar, my mind is blank on the first name. I remember she even worked part time at night at the Morman handicraft store when it was still downtown. Sales and I think, classes. I also remember she loved Viking machines at the time. Do you remember her first name? My name is Bonnie. Thanks