i had to just giggle when reading this. I have had so many days like this, sewing a seam wrong, twice lol, or cutting out 30 squares, only to find out they were 1/2 in too small. And , after throwing temper tantrum, driving 1 1/2 hrs back to fabric shop to buy more material. And i do admit, i have not conquered machine quilting yet, lol. Sometimes we just have to walk away, and try again later.

Chuck, I use this nifty tool I bought at Harbor Freight for $1.50, it is a pair of needle nosed pliers that have a turned up end, and are spring loaded. I got a pair at Tractor Supply also.

I push the needle through and then use the pliers to pull it out. It works well and there is no stress on my hands or wrists. Try it!

GREAT job!! Thank you SEW much for posting, Ninnie. :)

Great tut, thank you, up to now I have only quilted in straight lines, seeing how you do your stencil patterns, I am definately going to try this now.

Gal

Ninnie, I was not a member when you started the whole tutorial. But when I clicked on your post tonight I went back to the beginning and read all. I want to add my thanks to the others for taking the time to share your method. You explained the steps so well, I understood everything you presented. I've never seen anyone quilt from start to finish so this was very enlightening to me. So many tips I hope I can remember.(of course I bookmarked in case I can't) I plan to start my first quilt this week so your first "episode" about cutting and chain sewing and organizing in plastic baggies will be helpful to me right away. jean

Wow thanks am about to do my first one.

I am fairly new to handquilting - what type of batting do you use? What's the best?

i like using Hobbs 100% cotton batting. i usually use the unbleached, unless i am having a white backing, and then i will use the white. I love the way it feels when u needle it. and i like the old fashioned look of a hand quilted quilt after it has been washed. I only use all cotton in my tops also. and i use cotton covered poly quilting thread usually, but using an all cotton thread for this one. There have been sever debates on which brand of thread is the best. I have almost always used Coats@Clark.
However, if u r making a wall hanging, and want it to stand out more, u can use a high-loft poly batting
I started a wall hanging today lol and that is what i am using for the batting

Great to see your posting again. You are an inspiration. Wishing you continued quilting success.
Love your scrappy quilt.

Is there any reason the stencil markings couldn't also be
used for machine quilting, using a walking foot?
Thanks.

No, I do that all the time. It just takes time to quilt.

re:machine quilting with stencil markings:
Thank you for your reply. I'd love to try handquilting but my hands go numb so I've only done stitch-in-the-ditch and crosshatch quilting with a walking foot.

So essentially, I'd probably still basically be fmq'ing with the feeddogs down, only slowly and carefully following the stencil lines... hopefully... :-D

I use this cool tool for my arthritic hands,
my hands go numb, can't grip, etc.

I bought one at Tractor Supply for $5, and at Harbor Freight for $2 that was smaller. I love it as it works great for pulling the needle through.

Be sure and get the turned up needle nose with the spring loaded handles, it really saves your wrists and hands.

they r great for machine quilting, also things around the house, u can use to mark,and use walkingfoot to sew!

Machine quilting is something i need to learn,because i know someday, eyes will not be what they r now
let me know how the quilting onthe markings goes
also the stencil co. has stencils made especially for machine quilting , check them out

goodmorning
I also m a handquilter, but it has been awhile, I m working on a twin I got to tell you my my fingers are sore! n Im only 3/4 done n have another right behind it to do. what do you use for the under fingers? I heard on here about aunt bessie ( I think that the name of it)but havent sent for it .

Thank you for the wonderful tutorial!

Crafty, I have an Aunt Becky and I don't like it, and a lot of people feel the same way. I use my thumb under the quilt, not my finger. Maybe your needles are too sharp? I know I have some that I won't use because they are too sharp and they really hurt. The needle shouldn't go into your skin, just touch it. When I used Aunt Becky, the needle wasn't coming through the backing.

Thank you so much. I hand quilt and want to use some stencils but was not sure how to do this. Thanks sooooo much. Can't wait to try.