Any thing to keep from getting poked. Thanks will give that a try too.

I hand quilt, and I've always used a thimble on both the top (needle-pushing) finger and one underneath to glance the needle off of. I got tired of hearing the "click" of the needle off of the underside thimble, as well as not being able to make stitches as small as I would like. I've recently been quilting without a thimble on the underside, which has resulted in smaller stitches, but find I have to rest from quilting for a day or two at intervals to let my poor finger recover. I'm delighted to hear about this method! If anyone sees a link for a video so we can see this in action, I hope you'll post it! Thanks for sharing a great idea!

I hand quilt with a spoon in my hand under the quilt and my thumb in the bowl of the spoon. I use a hemostat to grab the needle and pull it through the fabric. I can load more stitches on the needle than if I had to grab it with my finger and thumb.

Does this save your finger from being stuck a thousand times by the needle? If so I am definitely going to try it.
LOL

Yes, that is the reason I use the spoon. I use a good quality plastic spoon (I get them at the Party Store) instead of silver or stainless because I don't like the way the metal feels if my hands perspire and the plastic doesn't dull my needle. I wear out a lot of plastic spoons but thats OK. they are probably cheaper than needles.

I am also looking for both and can't find them in any retailers. If you find it can you post where you found it? Thanks - Harry

I've found hemostats in the fishing departments of sporting good stores. You can also find them at vet supply places and the pharmacy (the vet supply places are always cheaper! The closest place to me is Tractor Supply which I would never have thought to look in if I hadn't been looking for something else).

That sounds like Aunt Betty ... only with a spoon :)

Hmm, so you cut the handles off the spoon? I am trying to visualize it all! I have not hand quilted, but would like to do a small piece .

I used this method many moons ago but I think I remember the thumb going into the inside of the spoon.