Hand quilting
 

Good morning. I would like to try hand quilting but don't have space for a large quilting frame. How convenient is using a hoop for this? My quilts are always throw size, current one is approximately 65 x 70.
Also, what kind spray baste is good? Thanks!

I hand quilt my Hawaiian quilts usually around 50 x 50 inches and use a 14" quilting hoop. I don't spray baste my top as it is basically a glue and causes the needle to not go through the layers easily. I hand baste all my quilts with a grid pattern about a hand width apart and that holds everything well. Using a hoop you want to start at center and move out in a circle around the center this will allow the air between layers to move to the outer edges without causing any bubbles to be trapped inside. I use a polyester batting as again it allows the needle to move through the layers and use my pinky finger (Hawaiian style) to space between my quilting which is about 1/2" echo stitch. This works well for me as I can hold on my lap and set down next to my chair when not quilting. Other things I do is to always thread a needle and take a stitch before putting down and use a bright scrap of fabric to put needle through so I know where I stopped and I take basting out as I finish an area just a fun little way to show my progress on the quilt.

I found I couldn't work comfortably with too large a hoop (mine is 12" -- I have short arms). I baste using the method shown in Sharon Schamber's basting video, with tatting thread (a rough thread that doesn't slide through fabric layers) and the herringbone stitch. Pins will get in the way of your hoop movement and glue, as mentioned above, will prevent your needle going through easily.

Have you looked at some books or youtube videos for technique advice? Shortly after I began hand quilting using the traditional method, I ran into trouble because of arthritic hands. I bought a used copy of 'Perfect Hand Quilting without Pain,' by Liuxin Newman, from Amazon. Her method is similar to the traditional, but removes stress on the fingers. Good luck with the hand quilting!

I have always used a large hoop for hand quilting, and a smaller one for smaller pieces.

I, too, use a hoop in my lap. I can comfortably sit in my chair and reposition myself as needed. I pin baste, usually, unless it's a king size quilt. That many pins make it too heavy to easily move around. Large quilts I will usually thread baste in a grid fashion. I couldn't imagine sitting in one position at a frame and being comfortable quilting for long periods like that.

Me, too! I use a 14" round hoop but I pin baste my quilts. I like that I can turn the hoop to best advantage for my comfort while working. I've tried the oval hoops but they don't work for me as well as the round one. I use the curved pins for basting. Start in the middle and work out.

I have two oval hoops, one a bit larger than the other, that I can use very comfortably in an arm chair for quilting a larger throw or bed-sized quilt. The arm helps hold up one side. For smaller projects, I use a round 12" hoop.

I use a Q-snap floor frame to hand quilt. I always have one on the frame and work on it in the evenings while watching tv.

I house a 14” hoop for smaller projects and a Q snap floor frame for anything throw size of larger. I acquired a sit down longArm last year and am learning to machine quilt. So far I’m loving it!