Pam in WV

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?

shaverg

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.

Pinkiris

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?

Pam in WV

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

Tippy

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.

SulaBug

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

shaverg

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.

Tippy

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

shaverg

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.

KarinSt

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. 😇