I would like to get some information about Stab Stitch Quilting. I have seen demos on TV and I have read a little about, but I have not been able to find anyone who uses this method. So, I wonder if anyone here has or does this type of quilting and how you like it. Thanks, Pam in WV.

that is how I hand Quilt I love it Though it is slower than the rocking the needle. But for the love of me I can't rock that needle. My wrist hurts to much.This way I don't hurt. And my stiches are a lot smaller.

I learned to cross stitch before quilting and can never rock, only stab. My stitches are almost always even.

Maria

When I tried stab stitching I had a hard time to keep my stitches straight. I guess it's like with everything, practice, practice.....

John James makes a needle designed especially for stab-stitch quilting. it has points on both ends and the eye is in the middle. they're very delicate and break easily, but once you get the hang of the method, you won't break them nearly as often.

you keep one hand under the quilt, the other over, and never have to twist either of your wrists to turn the needle toward the next direction.

i found it especially important to be working in good light with a clear view of the stitching line.

Here's a link to one explanation.
http://www.quilttownusa.com/Town_Hall/experts.htm

Is there a video available to watch this process (those of you who are web browsers??) I just can't get a visual of what's going on with the stab method, and I would sure like to try it.

my sentiments exactly

It is more difficult to keep the underneath stitches straight. I have to stab stitch when I get into an area with lots of layers, in some seam areas. :?

What a relief! I am -da da - a STAB STITCH quilter!!!! I always kind of thought it was cheating, so had never admitted to it before. I could never get the rocking of the needle right, no matter how many videos I watched of experts doing it. I find that my bottom stitches are more consistent, and after awhile I can go along at a pretty good clip.

Thanks to all of you who are also stab stitchers. I have come out of the closet!

Thanks everyone. I always hand quilts, but as my hands get older, they do not want to work as well. I would love to try this and if there is a video out there I would love to see it.
I guess the main question is getting the quilt on the frame right. Do you still have a loose fit, or do you tighten is a little more so that it lays a bit flatter?

I also cannot get my stitches right on the back. As a longtime rocking needle quilter with really nice stitches. I really need to learn how especialy when going through those thick seams. I guess practice, practice, practice.

I was once told by a stitcher that we all have a "smart" hand and a "dumb" hand. I'm assuming that since I'm right handed, that is my "smart" hand. Anyhow, this person told me that the easiest way to stitch from both sides of the cloth was to put my "dumb" hand on the top, where my eyes would be able to guide it better. My "smart" (right) hand would work better all on it's own on the bottom.

I think this was in regard to cross stitching, but maybe it would work with stab-stitch quilting also. What do you experienced gals think?

Pinkiris, when I checked the site that Thimblebug posted, that is exactly what it says. If you are right handed, the right hand goes under the quilt and the left hand on top.
I have a quilt almost ready for the frame, and I am going to try this method.
I don't like to unsew, so I will start on a practice piece.
I can't rock the needle and I can't stack on the needle, so one stitch at a time in right up my alley.
Thanks All for the information.
PamM

I use the stab stitch method to hand quilt. It is nice to find others who quilt "my" way. I don't have any problem keeping the stitches even or straight after I get started.. and I always keep my right hand on top and left on bottom.. I've done it with and without a frame or hoop.
I have also been told that I don't know how to quilt, and am doing it all wrong. I offered to compare my results with hers and she hushed. I look at quilting kind of like I look at riding my motorcycle.. it's not what you ride, it's that you ride.. it's not how you quilt.. it's THAT you quilt.

I have tried stab stitching many times
& just can't seem to master it. But, I
can sure rock that needle!! :D What
ever works for an individual is the best
way to go!!
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D

I am rocker too. But I really need to get the stab stitch down to get throught those thick seams. I think I have been doing it wrong on the back, I always pull the thread tight before inserting the needle to go back the other way. It looks like from everything I read you immediately turn the needle when it comes through on the back and you stitches will be even. I am going to try it. I know now they also have a new needle for stab stitching for quilting, it has an eye in the middle and points on each end, it keep you from having to turn the needle over to come back up. It looks strange and interesting but I am sure it works.

Don't think I'd like that needle... I poke myself enough with one sharp end!!!

That was my thought too, but I guess it started with cross stitchers, I guess some of them love it so they decided to design one for quilters. I discovered it when I was trying to find info as to what I was doing wrong when I tried to stab stitch and my stitch on the back would always be crooked.

I looked for stab stitching as well. Thought I was wrong all those years. It works for me. Now I notice I am not the only one. 😇

I totally agree. This is how I hand quilt too. My hands just can't take the rocking stitch. My friend 'Arthritis" doesn't allow it.

Don't waste your money on the stab stitching needles with teh eye in the center. They are too long and they break way too easy.

Here's a link to a video showing how it's done: http://quiltinggallery.com/2013/07/2...-perle-cotton/

The Art of Stabbing - Hand Quilting the Stab Stitch Method by Cheryl Doody sold on Amazon

I looked all over the internet and really didn't find anything to amount to much on stab stitching. However the book list above is something I am going to order and I will let you know what I think about it.

Stab stitching method
 

Thank you. I will look up that book.
Complete guide to quilting by better homes and gardens, 2002 edition, has a segment on stab stitching. It is rather short but in detail. If anyone would like a copy of it, please let me know.

KarinSt - I PMed you with my email address. Thanks

Having had carpal tunnel syndrome for probably 40 years that was the way I learned how to hand quilt or applique , I watched an episode of simply quilts and Alex and a guest called it "stab stitching". They said that you can learn to make a small stitch with practice so if I don't machine applique then this is what I do.

Having to do only one type of stitching restricts me too much. Sometimes i need to stab but when I get the rocking stitch going, I enjoy it more and I can achieve smaller, more even stitches...which took yrs of practice.
For me, the trick to rocking is with the first insertion of the needle...it helps me if I point my needle straight down vertically into the quilt poking my underneath finger which has elevated the quilt upward and then push slightly forward on the underside then bring the needle up at a sharp angle with my thimble on my right hand... Which makes the first stitch.
Having the right needle is an issue for me....if it is not working for you, try as many as you need to to become comfortable. I favor Betweens while some others like Sharps.
When I stab stitch, my needle is more parallel with the fabric.
I have a friend who stitches neither method...just straight up and down stitching. She wins blues and best of show at the County fair every year.

I look at quilting kind of like I look at riding my motorcycle.. it's not what you ride, it's that you ride.. it's not how you quilt.. it's THAT you quilt.
Amen Tippy! I like the way you think

I tried this method when I was learning but I couldn't seem to get it right. I'm a rocker.

I have used the poke and stab method for quilting for years. Arthritis!

I send an email earlier. Hope you got it. Karin

OMG.....i never told ANYONE that i do this kind of stitch for the little bit of hand quilting i do....since i cross stitch, it just came naturally to hoop the section just like i would with a cross stitch.
AND YES.... i do the smart hand dumb hand route....i am right handed - so my right hand goes underneath where i have control without needing to see it.
WOW... THANK YOU PAM for unlocking this not so secret secret !!!!!!