A Hand Quilting question
 

I have a 24" x 24" tree of life wallhanging to hand quilt. There are lots of small triangles and I'm trying to decide should I SITD or make my quilting lines 1/4" from those seams? This is a primative style quilt with wool applique. I'd like a bit of advice. Thanks.

If it were me, I would quilt 1/4 inch from the seams. Just MHO

Oh I would too. hand quilting is always wonderful to do and to see!

I also like to see the hand quilting, but if you think the triangles are too small, maybe lay your thread 1/8” from the seam and see if you like that? You will be fine quilting when your seams allow you to only go through the triangle fabric, so it depends on how you have your project pressed as well.

Maybe do the tiny parts 1/8th inch instead of in the ditch. I only say this because hand quilting is so pretty and I like mine to show.

I agree with not STID. Unless, of course, you want your piecing to be the star. Plus, hand quilting in the ditch can be really challenging when crossing intersections.

I have recently finished hand quilting a queen with stitches just a bit outside of SITD. The piece that had the stitching was small enough that the 1/4" quilting wasn't "pretty" on that. It overtook the piecing, rather than highlighting it. Preview a few of the pieces to see which you like best on this project. One thing about it, hand quilting is easy to remove when you see how it looks and which you like best.

Thank you all for such wonderful suggestions. I've decided to go ahead and do the 1/4" away from the seam and I think it looks just fine.

I do love it that when I can't decide about something I'm working on, I can get such great ideas from you all.

Would love to see your completed project. I am researching doing a Tree of Life, tracing my lineage back a ways so am very interested in how you are doing yours.