Ladies, for those who hand quilt, about how many stitches per inch do you normally put in? And is there a certain type of needle you prefer to use or just any old needle will do?

I ask because I was hand quilting for the first time yesterday. I had the quilt in my new hoop, figured out how to make an invisible knot and I was ready to go! Except that going in and out with the needle ... it just looked like the stitches were too far apart but I couldn't get them any closer because of the snugness (is that a word?) of the fabric in the hoop.

I am no expert but one thing I do remember being told that more important than the number of stitches per inch was that the stitches be of uniform size and equal distance from each other. Also try slackening off the material in the hoop it should not be too taught.
Katherine

I get 4 to 5 stitches in an inch. I buy number 7 tweens quilting needles. They slide through the the fabric easier and like MAXIES said loosen up your hoop

I use number 9 betweens and the one thing I remember reading here is that the fabric should not be snug like it is when you cross stitch or embroider. I think if you use the search button for hand quilting someon has explained how they do it really well ! I just used it to brush up on my hand quilting :lol: I don't count my stitches so I am no help there sorry, but I know mine are not tiny :wink:
Sharon

I use Quilter's Betweens needles, usually one of the higher numbers9-11, because they are shorter and allow me to rock and get smaller stitches. The stiffness, thickness of the sandwhich will determine also, how close your stitches will be, how small they will be. Also, do loosen the tautness of your quilt in the frame. Get it smoothe and then loosen it a bit. That will allow you to rock your needle to get smaller even stitches. Just remember, that it takes practice to get nice even stitches. No one did it perfect the first time! And most of us don't do it perfect after many years. We get better at being even and consistent, which is what I strive for. There are some fabrics that are vry difficult to "needle" and if I get two stitches on my needle, I am happy! :lol:

I use Quilter's Betweens needles, usually one of the higher numbers9-11, because they are shorter and allow me to rock and get smaller stitches. The stiffness, thickness of the sandwhich will determine also, how close your stitches will be, how small they will be. Also, do loosen the tautness of your quilt in the frame. Get it smoothe and then loosen it a bit. That will allow you to rock your needle to get smaller even stitches. Just remember, that it takes practice to get nice even stitches. No one did it perfect the first time! And most of us don't do it perfect after many years. We get better at being even and consistent, which is what I strive for. There are some fabrics that are very difficult to "needle" and if I get two stitches on my needle, I am happy! :lol:

I was taught to allow about a fist size of slackness in the hoop. The sandwich should not be tight like a drum. You should be able to place your fist in the middle -- I'd say about 4 inches or so. This slackness allows you to manipulate the quilt sandwich back and forth on the needle while you are stitching.

Thanks for all the good advise. I need to loosen up my quilt in the hoop and my stitches are even but not very close together. I'm working on that.

I like to use a 9 or 10 needle and do not like my quilt top really tight when I am working on it - either in a hoop or in a quilt frame. It all depends on the material, batting and backing how many stitches I am able to get on my needle...sometimes several, sometimes not. Just try to keep your stitches and spacing even and don't worry about their size. The more you quilt, the evener and smaller the stitches become. :wink:

What type of batting do you prefer?

what is that thing bouncing around in your avatar window. it fascinates me.

I like the Poly Dream Select for wall hangings or lap quilts but I use Hobbs 80/20 for bed quilts.

I agree with all the above about loosening the quilt slightlyin the frame. I use a 10 quilting needle - you have to have the short needle and kind of rock it in and out. On a straight line, i put a couple of stitches on before pulling through.

When I started hand quilting, I was really unhappy with the results but then I read about concentrating more on the spacing than stitches per inch. Now it goes much better and I really enjoy it, it's so soothing to do sitting by the fire on winter evenings! I also find that if I turn the needle back up the VERY second I feel it prick my under finger, I get much closer stitches. I don't use any protection on my under finger - I've got a permanent callous! I think I average now about 5 or 6 stitches per inch. I have seen quilts in shows with as many as 11 - but I think if the stitches get really tiny, it doesn't look as effective - that's my excuse anyway, and I'm sticking to it! :D :wink:

K x

LOL It's a clip from Finding Nemo.

it' very funny.

Years ago I participated in my county's quilt documentation project. We had appraisers who were experts from the DAR DAughter's of the AMerican Revolution in Washington, DC. look at the quilts. They counted the quilt stitches both back and front. I just checked the quilt I am currently working on and I get 10 stitches to the inch counting both back and front. I have gotten better and worse depending on the fabric and the batting and the condition of my hands. For many years I used a size 12 inbetween which is a very small needle. Since developing a rare autoimmune disease 9 years ago my fingers don't work nearly as well. I am currently using a 9.
The real test is the evenness of the stitches and getting the job done.
I can't think of anything in quilting I prefer more than the hand quilting.

I never know if you count back and front? I was only counting front, so that means I get 10 too!!! :D Wow, I'm impressed with myself! Hey, Melissa, I couldn't even thread an itty bitty needle like a twelve! Must be fine as baby's hair!

I'm so sorry about your hands - a quilter's nightmare :(

K x

I took a 2 hour hand quilting class at my LQS. Wow..it really helped as I was going about it all wrong!! Its not stitching like your mother taught you!! My problem (well, my biggest problem!!) seems to be getting the 1st stitch on the needle, the rest is just ALOT of practice. I used #9 betweens and dark thread on muslin to practice. I enjoy it, although one day I'd like to have some sort of stationary hoop or frame. Good luck, and don't be too hard on yourself..its supposed to be for fun!!

Boy, you guys are pros! I'll never get that many stitchs in an inch.

Course you can, Jan - I was rubbish when I started and nearly gave up, one day it just 'clicked'!

K x

I like best and generally use Hobbs Heirloom Premium batting, though it really depends on the quilt, who it is for and whether it will be quilted by hand or by machine. I like the feel and the look after you have finished the quilt. It just has that 'old time' look :lol:

This library link has handquilting tips : http://quiltinglibrary.blogspot.com/2009/. There are all kinds of tips , free patterns , etc , etc . Annie

So, do you count the top and back stitches or just the top stitches?

I use an 11 or 12 quilting between for piecing and quilting. My stitches vary according to the thickness of the sandwich..

i hand quilt all my quilts - until i get a machine and frame :) - i prefer #10 needles and do not use a frame - too constricting for me. i just make sure ihave the fabric smoothed before beginning to stitch - i agree with what others have said - it's more important to have even stitches rather than so many per inch.