JanineH

I made these two wall hangings. I'm have the faces left to do on the snowman one. I am going to try to hand quilt them. I've watched some YouTube videos and think I can do it. My question is should I buy a hoop? What size should I get. The measurements are 22 x 22 and 16 1/2 x 16 1\2. I did buy some hand quilting thread. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

joe'smom

Very nice wall hangings! I would recommend you begin with a practice piece before starting in on the actual quilts.

I quilt with a 12" hoop. It may have to do with short arms, but I've had trouble quilting in a larger hoop. I think 14" is the size I've seen recommended the most. You'll have to baste or pin fabric around the perimeter of your quilts in order for the hoop to be functional when you're quilting nearer the edges.

I know from past discussions that many people hand quilt with no hoop, and that might be more convenient for small pieces like this.

DebraK

I find it easier to hand quilt without a hoop. Especially something this small.

feline fanatic

I think the homespun star one would look super cute with big stitch hand quilting. You could give quilting without a hoop a try on these smalls. If you find it awkward you can always go for a hoop later.

sewingitalltogether

Go for it. I like to quilt small quilts without a hoop. Love your 2 quilts.

marilynr

You have done a great job on these wall hangings. However you quilt them, they will only get better.

lynnie

I've quilted over 300 quilts, all by hand. some smaller ones 24 x 24 I do in one section, larger ones like queen and kind, I do in rows or sections, then sew them together. I've never used a hoop. just baste well and off you go. it's really very easy. Have fun.

DebraK

that's quite an accomplishment, lynnie.

Monale

I couldn't work out how to do hand-quilting with a hoop and almost gave up on it. However, without a hoop I was fine! Just try out what works best for you.

ManiacQuilter2

I agree with feline fanatic. Start quilting the homespun quilt first doing a big stitch with black thread. Your mistakes won't show up and it will give you some practice with hand quilting.