Sorry, I'm not sure what you mean... the tension in the hoop? I quilt with a loose tension, so it is easier to move the needle back to the top.

I have started hand quilting 20 years ago and I specialized on wholecloths in 1995 - so you see I have quite a lot of practice.

Do you prefer a certain type of thimble??

I don't use a thimble at all and I don't have sore fingers - I think it is a question of your technique. There are enough calluses on my finger tips.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your first posting and photos! You have generated so many questions about hand quilting that I am beginning to think there is "life" after quilting machines!!!!!!!!!!!! Especially for us hand quilters. BRAVO!

And I must also add: This is the REAL ART of quilting making!

I try to do my best... :thumbup: It is so much fun and a great pleasure for me to answer all your questions here and I hope I can encourage all hand quilters to go on with our wonderful craft. It is worth to stay alive.

Excellent tip. So ingenious of you..Thanks for sharing.

Perhaps I should explain my postings. Having taught piecing and quilting techniques for many years, I have found that most dedicated piecers can learn to sew 1/4 inch seams and match seams. Not everyone of those can master hand quilting. It takes a LOT of dedicated practice with much discouragement to make small even stitches.

I, too, as I get older (with more ideas and UFOs than I can ever complete) will consider paying to have quilts machine quilted.

Very nice!