I have my handy dandy JoAnn's PVC pipe quilt frame which I got from my husband for my birthday right here in the front room, where I plan to watch the Vikings beat the pants off whoever they are playing and start quilting my Star Sampler by hand. (It is a dandy invention this quilt frame!)

Anyhow, I have an arthritic index finger, right hand, and I am having a lot of trouble with a running stitch. Is there any law that says I cannot use a back stitch. I have tried both stitches (practice) and the back stitch doesn't hurt as much. It is mainly the first knuckle behind the fingernail that is out of shape and I cannot bend the finger all the way. And I am right handed so the needle is in my right hand.

You always read "running stitch" and this is going to be a gift and I don't want to make a fool of myself, I don't want the Quilting Police on my tail, but yet I want to hand quilt if I can and if it has to be with a back stitch, will it cause any problems! I am making my thread about 18" long. Most of you nice people say that the real satisfaction of quilting a quilt is doing it by hand. I have done some by hand, but I want to do a big one, with a nice patterned quilting design. (I did get some templates (easy ones to start)).

Thanks in advance. GO VIKES! Edie

No laws! No rules! QUilting is about creativity so maybe you will start somethin new that we can all learn from!

I learned it is best to do things the way they work for YOU! Just because one method works for some does not mean it will work for everyone.
There are several ways to make various blocks, that is OK! Flying Geese is a great example of that.
You made a quilting frame that works for you BRAVO! Have fun and don't worry about the quilt police!

Well said!

The back stitch is a beautiful stitch. I have a book on handquilting that says the back stitch is just as "acceptable" as the running stitch.

I cheat and use something I got from Tractor Supply, but I bought a pair at Harbor Freight. It is a pair of spring loaded needle nosed pliers, and the nose is curved upward. It has serrated teeth on the nose and the handle is padded. It is perfect for me to make a running stitch, load my needle, and pull it through with the pliers. It was awkward at first, but now I quilt as fast as anyone else.

Also, I don't use a frame at all. It makes the quilt easier for me to manipulate.

You might just start a new trend in quilting! Go for it!

I agree - do what works for you...but...have you checked out Alex Anderson's videos on quilting? She quilts with her middle finger and thumb, not the index finger...I don't hand quilt myself, so can't address any specifics on how to do it, but there was a video on line a few months ago showing how she does it. Might work for you as well.

Such a great idea! Sew creative.

I have a pair of those needlenose plyers, they come in very handy for pulling needles especially when you have arthritis.

Edie, I agree with the others and I know from experience how much fun hand quilting is. Very relaxing for me. However, being a rabid Yankees fan I'm sometimes not that relaxed hahahahahaha :D

I don't see any problems with using a back stitch instead of a running stitch. I also use my middle finger not my index finger. Please show us pics of your quilt when you get it done.

In 100 years from now, will anyone care? :D Do what you can do, and smile!

explain what a backstitch is...like in embroidery????

I would like to see a close up pic when you are done so PLEASE post one.

HOW BOUT THEM TWINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Edie

Are you talking about stitching the pieces together?

Or about stitching/quilting the layers together?

Edie, I absolutely agree with all the others: of course you can do the backstitch for quilting! This stitch was used about 600 years ago for the Tristan Quilt, made in Sicily - one of the oldest surviving examples of handquilted items.
If you are interested, look here:

http://www.illuminatedspaces.com/his.../qsource11.htm

So when you use this method you keep a tradition alive!

No quilting police here!

I have never gotten the "rocking needle" motion for hand quilting. My stitches aren't very small either but they are consistent and my quilting method works for me. Do what works for you and forget the quilting police (they aren't real anyway and just gives us nightmares LOL)

Please explain the back stitch?????????? :lol: I can't figure out what you mean by the back stitch.

SOme people use the stab-stitch method. Some use the big-stitch method. I just took a class using the Aunt Becky tool and it is geared for people with arthritic hands. NO ROCKING MOTION AT ALL. It takes a bit of practice, but I can see me using it. That said, if the back stitch works for you and you like the look, then I say go for it.

When I use the frame I put one hand on top and the other underneath and put it through to the top with the underneath hand. I'm a lot faster and neater this way. Only I know it's not a running stitch.

yOU MIGHT TRY WHAT IS CALLED A STAB-STITCH ALSO. IT MIGHT BE A LITTLE SLOWER BUT IS GREAT FOR PEOPLE WITH HAND
DISABILITIES, AND YOU STILL CAN GET THE JOY OF QUILING BY HAND.

the only thing that would make any difference in my thinking is "does the back side of the stitch please you?"

Do what works for you. No quilt police here.

quilting is not meant to be so rigorous that you can't enjoy it. Use whatever stitch that you prefer. It will look wonderful. Do you think years ago as women on the plaines sat by the hearth, cooking their venison in big pots over a low flame, that they worred about fabric, colors, pattern, stitch selection? I would venture to say no. They did it out of necessity and I hope enjoyment.

So, please do what you need to ENJOY your quilting.

My Mom tried showing me how to quilt on a top that had printed dotds showing the pattern. I went dowwwn one dot., up at the next dot. WRONG!! She then proceeded to show me her way. She would come up at a dot, take a tiny backstitch, slide the needle between layers to the next dot, , up, backstitch, slide to the next. Those were the tiniest stitches!! Needless to say, I never even tried hand stitching after that. And the dots were real close together!! Mom was quilting by hand, even piecing by hand in 1905

Actually, a few months ago a friend of mine gave me a Christmas quilt to embroider (cross stitch) and there were dots all over it. Of course the first thing I thought of was OMG - French Knots!!!!!!! Well, Edie, try reading directions. It was the up-down-up-down hand quilting this 42x42 Christmas quilt - It has 16 different colors and of course, I had to pick red - Christmas color!!!!!! I will not get it done by Christmas.

Sweet story. I love those kinds of stories. It makes us all what we are. Edie

I WENT TO HARBER FREIGHT GO ONLY I PACKEG OF THOSE ROUND BLADES ALL THEY HAD I PAID 1.49 WENT BACKNEXT WENT NEXT WEEK NO BLADES BUT PRICE ON EMPTY HOLDER WAS1.99 WENT NEXT WEEK NOBLADES LOOKED ON WEB DOSENT SHOW ANY HOPE TEY ARE NOT DISCONTUNID SUZIEq

Just had to comment on your avatar. What a cutie pie... :D

That is Miss Bess - Bessie or Bess for short. She is a handful.
But she is going to be 8 years old in January, so she is getting a little better. She is a joy though. Loves to go for rides, walks, and visiting the neighbors! Specially the little boy across the alley who grabs her by the ears and kisses her all over the place. Thank you. She is a cutie pie!!!!! Edie

I learned to hand quilt using my middle finger, have you tried that and would it be less painful? But you can do whatever you want.
Go Vikings!

I second that!!!!

When I first started to hand quilt I used a back stich. So go for it.

That's a wonderfully creative idea. I can't imagine the change in making the stitch will affect the look at all.
Come over for coffee (or a home-brewed beer), and we'll watch that Vikings game and quilt together.

I agree, whatever works best for you! Quilting is all about fun and creativity...phooey on the quilt police!

I'll drink to that!!!!!! I think the Vikings are going down the tube! It's not Favre's fault! Don't get me going!

Never tasted home brew, but I have made homemade wine from our two grape vines!!!! Good stuff! Edie

Hi, are you using your index finger to push the needle? I use my middle finger with a thimble to hand quilt. The Aunt Becky is supposed to be super for those with arthritis. I have one but so far have had no pressing need to master it...yet

Have you thought of using a thumb thimble? Your thumb is very strong, and I use one for Hawaiian quilting because I can quilt in all directions.

Edie, Forget about quilt police. Whatever works for you. I use my middle finger on my right hand and my thumb on my left to quilt with when I am using a frame. I taught myself to quilt with both hands long ago. It is much more comfortable when using a frame as it keeps me from getting in that very awkard position with my right hand. If you can touch type or play the piano it should be easy for you to get the knack of both hands. I have always been a handquilter. At this point in my life the only thing I machine quilt is Linus quilts and gifts for small children. That is only because of time and the fact that those items will get lots of laundering.
Many of my quilting friends think I am crazy for still handquilting. I manage to complete as many if not more projects than them the majority of the time.