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    Old 05-13-2010, 03:57 PM
      #11  
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    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
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    Old 05-13-2010, 04:01 PM
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    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.
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    Old 05-13-2010, 04:06 PM
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    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-WvF...eature=related
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    Old 05-13-2010, 04:43 PM
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    One of these day I want to learn to do that. God bless. Penny
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    Old 05-13-2010, 05:44 PM
      #15  
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    Originally Posted by Joeysnana
    Originally Posted by sewcrafty
    Practice, practice, practice!!! One thing that I used when I first started quilting was tiger tape. It helps in getting used to when to go down and when to come up. I found it very useful.
    What is tiger tape?
    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.
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    Old 05-13-2010, 11:04 PM
      #16  
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    Originally Posted by Hinterland
    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
    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.
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    Old 05-14-2010, 01:16 AM
      #17  
    Gal
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    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
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    Old 05-14-2010, 04:50 AM
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    Amen to that. If I am happy that is what counts.
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    Old 05-14-2010, 06:28 AM
      #19  
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    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." :)
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    Old 05-14-2010, 06:54 AM
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    Originally Posted by Joeysnana
    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:
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