I plan on hand quilting. So I love the advice in this thread.

i think you did a wonderful job! its look like a guild star kept going you will get better

Ah yes, I only hope mine turns out just as good with my first attempt. I do have quilter's tape so I'm definitely going to use that.

Update:

I ripped it all out. I took the advice of the person who said use a lighter color rather than black. I bought a light colored thread. I am also attempting to use a thimble. Not easy by any means. :) Plus I'm using 1/4" quilters tape. Definitely helping me stay the same distance from the seams and not try to stitch through them. I'll finish the center and try to get another picture. I'm improving, though just a little, I am improving!!

I'm seriously getting discouraged. Here is another picture of the center star. I'm not happy. I thought the 1/4" quilters tape would help, but it seems to have made the star points worse than before. Now what?

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I've been quilting by hand for many years. I had to learn to rock the needle, and there are videos one can watch to learn this technique. Also, the color of thread makes a difference too - using one that is neutral usually works best for me. When I do use colored thread, I use the color that closest matches the fabric. And when I have small projects, I use a lap quilt, tighten only slightly so the rocking needle is easier to push around.

It looks just fine. Remember it does not have to be tiny sitiches only constistent stitches. Also look at your work from at least a foot away. For the most part we don't examine our work like the camera.

Hey, you did it. That's more than I'm willing to do!

All I can tell you is practice, practice, practice. I am doing the same now with machine quilting.

I agree with Jan, keep going......I use a #10quilting needle to hand quilt, helps to make small stitches. I don't pres open my seams however. Your stitches are consistent in size and that's a great start..... Keep going:):)