I don't know how I missed this thread. I'm currently hand quilting a sampler. It's made of bright colors and the backing is a rich green. I'm using ecru quilting thread. I can get it to disappear in the top and I make designs and stuff you can see on the back.

I have for so long, wondered how to save the fingertips on my left hand from being pricked to death. Even now, since Sunday, I've been quilting and my fingertips are so sore! A friend of mine uses medical tape that is so light it looks like tape made of tissue paper. Every time I've tried it, I ended up pushing the needle through harder and just drawing blood as I can't feel when the needle has come through. I will try a bandaid and see if the results are any different. I may also try the Under Thimble.

I have never measured my stitches in an inch or how many I can fit on each needle pass...though I average about 5 or so. Occasionally, I'll just flip my little lap frame over and see how they look in the back. It's more important to have stitches that look the same size than how many you can fit in an inch.

Thanx retrogirl. The first link was especially helpful.

You're welcome. I can't wait to hear how things go for you. Best of luck and happy quilting!!

Always thread your needle as the thread comes off the spool and put the knot in the other end. Thread has a spiral and this keeps the thread from tangling.
Hint from the old ladies of 1970 - to help those poor sore fingers, stick them in alcohol. Yes, it stings like crazy but toughens the fingers.

OUCH!!! That hurts me just to think about it! :lol:

I have been quilting for over 20 years, and I certainly don't do 15 stitches per inch. 10 at the BEST - usually 7 or 8. It is much more important that they are all even.

I've barely ventured into hand-quilting, but read a suggestion a while back that said that a good item for the "under" finger is electrical tape. It adheres well, you can feel the needle through it, and the plastic coating on the top keeps you from pressing right through it (like I did with band-aids and I imagine would with medical tape as well). So, yet another kind of tape to add to the mix. :D

It is best if you thread your needle with the thread as it comes off the spool because of the way thread is made, that way you get the best use of the thread and it tangles less. Thread is made in a twisting fashion and that is why they recommend taking it straight off the spool onto the needle. In fact, to save time, I thread several of my needles onto the spool at one time then I just pull one off with a length of about 18" as I go.

If you can get Gutterman's Hand Quilting thread it is already coated and ready to use. I always use it and find it excellent. I thread it straight from the reel and cut of about 18 inches.

It is up to you what colour thread you use. As a beginner I used a neutral colour, but I have been experimenting with other colours, It is also worth thinking about what will show through on the back and whether you want it to blend in with your backing fabric, or show up as a contrast. I am sure there will be lots of help on this forum. Good luck and happy hand quilting. It is very therapeutic and rewarding.

I always use the heavier thread that is made just for hand quilting, and I like to use the color that looks the most pleasing to me. Your quilt can have a lot of different colors, and really it doesn't matter if you use a lighter or darker color. I also like to use the larger size of the inexpensive wooden hoops, but that is just my preference. You do need something to hold the layers taut while you do your quilting.

Here is a nice tutorial on the quilting stitch: http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/...uilting-stitch

My last best suggestion is: don't worry about your stitches being perfect! Just do the best you can, and as you practice, your stitches will get better and better.

Hand quilting is very fun to me.

sincerely,

Levada Pendry