Peggy McFadden

I am glad to see this thread. I have been wanting to ask the question that was asked recently asked about counting. I have always been told you should get 12 to 15 stitches an inch. Had one teacher says she always gets 12 stitches on her needle. When not using a frame, I get more, usually 9 to 12, except, I learned I have counted them wrong. If you only count the top stitches, how can anyone get 12 stitches to an inch, let alone on the needle. As far as the thimble I use, I always use platinum needles, with them you are not to use metal thimbles, so leather it is :cry: I think the platinum go thru the material easier. (they are also harder on the finger if you don't use a thimble) Used to buy them easily, but not so any more. :cry:

Peggy McFadden

Also wanted to add, like others have said here, hand quilting is relaxing, enjoy it. Stressing for perfection ruins the personal benefits, and does it really make it that much better? We all try to do well, but I know for myself, it quickly becomes work, not pleasure when I try to make no mistakes. I also know, most of us are our own worst critics. Most times, no one else would notice what we see as problems. So, enjoy the process, and you will get better, naturally. :thumbup:

Shemjo

I think platinum needles are thinner, so you might be able to get more stitches per inch, but the really important thiing is if you are happy with them! If your tension in the hoop is a bit looser, you can get more stitches on your needle when you rock back and forth. I tend to bend really thin needles because I quilt on a big frame with others who like the material to be tauter (is that a word?) When I quilt by myself, I often do not use a hoop at all, just have to make sure that the sandwich is really stable, with lots of pins or basting. I haven't hand quilted anything that is spray basted yet, but will be trying that real soon.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this forum! :lol: :lol:

mpeters1200

Out of my 9 block sampler, I only have three left now. While my under fingertips are sore, they don't hurt like the did before. It would be really nice if I had some calluses forming.

I haven't experimented with feathers, plumes or scallops yet. Right now I just stay in the ditch, echo the ditch or do a cross hatch. You have a LOT of options in hand quilting. I do find it is very relaxing and I can sit and do it with all the kids around. It's much harder to get the machine and iron out to do other steps in the quilting process as I have 3 little helpers that are always wanting to do something that could end in injury.

I can sit and quilt while they watch a movie and they think that I'm just watching a movie with them. My 6 year old got a look at the bottom and now he wants to watch as he thinks it's "sweet". I don't know where he comes up with this stuff.

I am using a 12" circle frame with a ledge that sits in my lap. I have no idea how I would tackle a double or queen size quilt in such a tiny hoop. Anyone have any suggestions? Perhaps more basting than usual. Maybe rolling up the halves like you would for machine quilting....I have no idea. How would you handle the bulk that isn't in the frame?

Melissa

glgrandma

this may sound dumb but I just learned to use a thimble in Dec my hands used to get so sore I'd have to stop quilting for a few days it was really hard but I was determined ----I discovered most of the problem was my thimble didn't fit right !! :P

Quilting Aggi

Have a wonderful time with it! I just love handquilting! I find it very relaxing! I hope we get to see the finished product when it's completed!

weezie

A lot depends on what your end plan is for your quilt. If you are afraid to have your practice stitching show, then I guess you should opt for color coordinated thread. When I first started quilting, I did a "practice quilt". It is king sized with a complicated design that has a few hundred different fabrics in it, so I hand quilt it with only ecru thread. The off-white thread looks really good. I am only about half-way through getting this quilt completed. My first stitches are HUGE; now my stitches are tiny. Not all my fabric choices were right either, both color and type; my backing fabric is awful, BUT the quilt is still pretty nifty and goes to my husband when it's finally finished. He loves it and wants it finished.

levada

Oh, I forgot to mention that before I start quilting, I use regular thread and baste the whole quilt in about 4" squares. That way the whole "sandwich" is stable, and the quilting comes out better no matter what size hoop I use. I just pull all the basting stitches out when the quilting is done.

Levada Pendry

Mrs. Mel

Well said Peggy! I am thoroughly enjoying this, and am using a large wooden hoop. Although for some reason I cannot seem to master a 'quilting knot'. Is it all in the way you hold your chin? :shock:

Shemjo

And I thought you had to stick your tongue out just a tad to get it right! :lol: