Mumma

Hi - I recently purchased an antique quilt top. When it arrived I noticed it was all hand stitched, single stitch! Any Ideas on how I can make it a bit more "sturdy" before I quilt it? Other than going over each stitch. Thanks !

dunster

Except for knots at the ends, isn't this how hand stitching is generally done? Unless the stitches are really loose, I think that after the top is quilted it should be fine.

cashs_mom

I think that's how the ones that my grandmother hand pieced are done. I thought was how they were all done when hand pieced. I think it will be fine after its quilted, too.

Jane Quilter

Dunster is right. But since it is old, I would hand quilt on the wrong side of the seam. That is I would stitch close to the seam AND on top of the seam allowance. I would be afraid the fabric is weak and stitching thru the top and 2 seam allowance and batting and backing would give it less pull on the quilt top fabric. And i would quilt it extra heavy for more stability.....just my thoughts without seeing the quilt.

PatPitter

Hand piecing is done with a simple running stitch. As long as the stitches are not really large, it should be fine.

CanoePam

I have a number of hand made quilts made by my family many years ago. The running stitch is quite sturdy and the quilting will further strengthen it. You should be fine.

popover

I still hand piece some of mine too. Nothing to fuss over unless the fabric is fragile or the stitches are overly large. Look how many hand pieced antique quilts are still around after more than 100 years.

Peckish

I think the quilting itself will lend sturdiness to the quilt.

Reba'squilts

The 100 yr old quilt top I had quilted at our LQS was hand stitched flour sacks. Very sturdy, even held up in the washer before being quilted, I had no idea I was not susposed to do that. The quilting really made it strong.

Wanabee Quiltin

I've bought many of these type antique quilt tops and after being quilted on a long arm, they have done really well.