When I push the needle down to make the stitch, I try to have the needle at a 90 degree angle with the quilt - so the needle is going straight down. That helps make the stitches on the back the same length as the front. If it goes in at an angle then the back stitches are smaller.

I'm happy if the back stitches look nice, without too many that are too long or too short, and the top ones are even. It's a bonus if the back and front are the same size!

Janet

tiger tape is a tape with little marks on it it is narrow, like 1/4" or 1/8th" wide and you can get it with the marks from 4-12 per inch, it bends, or gives you nice straight lines, you place it along your quilting lines then use the marks as a guide to make your stitches...helps learn to be consistant, make your stitches even...is available in most quilt shops, or joannes type stores,and is inexpensive.

One of these day I want to learn to do that. God bless. Penny

Its a 1/4" tape that is sticky and you put it on fabric. It has black and white lines on it. It comes in different stitch lengths.

I second this completely! The angle is the most important thing. Of course the material you use (fabric and batting) influence the look of your quilting stiches.

I am a beginner and have discovered hand quilting, I think it is the best part of making a quilt!!!!! I have found that if I try to make my stitches too small then the back suffers, if I go for even and straight stitches rather than trying to get tiny ones then the back looks a whole lot better. I believe and trust those experienced hand quilters who say that with practice you will get smaller stitches and through practice the back will equal the front.

Gal

Amen to that. If I am happy that is what counts.

Thanks everyone for all of your comments. I so appreciate the help. I think I will try a smaller needle, piercing the quilt at a 90 degree angle, and not worrying about it. If my stitches improve, great. If not, so what. Quilting makes my heart "sing." :)

And my soul sings, too!

:thumbup: