Hi all,

This is my first 'real' post here, the other was my introduction. I can't figure out how to search the files, so I hope it's OK to post this question.

I wondered if anyone hand-quilts larger projects on their laps, and if you do will you need to use a hoop or is not not necessary? I have a UFO that I took off of a large floor quilting frame when I moved (picture attached with my Boo kitty), and it's all basted and waiting. I'd rather not set up my huge frame, and wondered if I'd get decent results just quilting it at night on my lap.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Trina

I handquilt in my lap and it works just fine. I pin really well and begin in the center. It takes some practice keeping your tension but it is not hard to do. I do not use quilting "inbetweens" but use sharps which tend to work better for me when I lap quilt. I can load more and have better control. I keep one hand under at all times and am constantly checking with my fingers as to tucks, bunches etc. If your pinning is done correctly, ie: tight back, and lots of pins, it should be no problem.

Try it out, should the results that you get not to be to your liking, may be you could get a frame that you can place in your lap.

You could search for it on ebay.

I like the Kitty.

have a friend who hand-quilts on her lap--quilt is basted or pinned.-- then placed a book on her lap, and then the center of the quilt on top of the book--smooth it out and begin quilting--very portable--this friends mother and grandmother did it this way!!! of course keep moving the quilt when one area is completed.

well Georgia Bonesteel has an old book out on lap quilting. I believe she does it with a hoop, but i' m sure there are lots of quilters who don't use one.

Thanks everyone for the oh-so-quick responses. I do have the quilt pinned really well. Should I bother with a hoop?

I am handquilting an 18" pillow. Tried it with a hoop and it was very hard to work with. I am just pinning well and in only small areas at at time. This is working out well so far.

I took a double size quilt off frame and used a hoop to finish it. The frame hurts my back too much and I wouldn't work at it, but with the hoop it went much better.

Kyia

thats the only way I handquilt...

These are the two I use to hand quilt.