Hand quilting: achieving high stitch-per-inch count
08-21-2011, 06:31 AM
#14
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: rural Maryland
Posts: 1,564
My number of stitches varies with the weave of the fabric and the kind of batting. The thinner and looser woven the fabric and the lighter and softer the batting the smaller the stitch. Our county did a quilt documentation project about twenty years ago. We had experts from the DAR musuem in Washington, D.C. evaluate the quilts we were documenting. They counted the stitches on the top and the bottom. When you do that it is amazing how many you get to the inch. Practice is the only way to get better and then you get older and your hands don't work as well. After more than 40 years my biggest goal is to be consistant. The best way to train yourself is with a wholecloth item. Seams and multiple layers, as in applique, make it harder to stitch evenly and small.
08-21-2011, 06:34 AM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Hudson Valley, NY
Posts: 939
Originally Posted by Glassquilt
12 on the top only or 6&6 top & bottom.
Both methods appear to be used. How are you counting your stitches.
This always confuses me.
Both methods appear to be used. How are you counting your stitches.
This always confuses me.
Janet
08-21-2011, 06:34 AM
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Western MA
Posts: 2,720
I haven't gotten to 12 stitches per inch, but I am able to get 10 stitches per inch. I use a hoop, poly or poly blend for batting, a between #11 needle, and thimble. I find I have to quilt down (towards me) and as soon as I feel the tip of the needle on the bottom, I rock it right back up as straight as possible. As others mentioned...do NOT use warm & natural.
08-21-2011, 06:34 AM
#18
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Area 52
Posts: 185
Twelve stitches per inch seems excessive to me and, in my very humble opinion, would look too much like machine quilting. I am quite happy with my 4 to 5 stitches per inch.
Again, strictly my opinion, but consistency is far more important than the number of stitches. I saw a quilt yesterday that had only 3 or 4 stitches per inch (I wasn't really counting, so I'm guessing) but every stitch was dead on consistent. It was fabulous to look at and made me drool with envy. That's the perfection I strive to achieve.
Again, strictly my opinion, but consistency is far more important than the number of stitches. I saw a quilt yesterday that had only 3 or 4 stitches per inch (I wasn't really counting, so I'm guessing) but every stitch was dead on consistent. It was fabulous to look at and made me drool with envy. That's the perfection I strive to achieve.
08-21-2011, 06:36 AM
#19
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Lake Elsinore, CA
Posts: 15,149
Originally Posted by Hinterland
Originally Posted by Glassquilt
12 on the top only or 6&6 top & bottom.
Both methods appear to be used. How are you counting your stitches.
This always confuses me.
Both methods appear to be used. How are you counting your stitches.
This always confuses me.
Janet
08-21-2011, 06:40 AM
#20
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Lake Elsinore, CA
Posts: 15,149
Originally Posted by jillaine
What is "scrim" in batting? I keep seeing reference to it and have no idea what it is. Thanks.
http://blog.heirloomcreations.net/?p=1172
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