Hand quilting: achieving high stitch-per-inch count
#21
Originally Posted by pamabla
I get between 9-12 stitches per inch, and I found that the key to achieving this is to keep your fabric loose in the hoop. If the fabric is tight as a drum, you will never achieve small stitches; it needs to be loose enough that when you place your hand in the middle, the fabric actually moves. I use a size 12 needle also and a thimble (my favorite is the cheapest one I have, the pink plastic with the cut out for fingernail.) It is much easier to "rock" the needle when the needle is short and the hooping is loose. Hope this helps.
#23
Super Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Windham, Maine
Posts: 1,251
The only differences I have from the above mentioned tips are that I never use a hoop - just a great big pile of quilt basted 3-4 inches apart in my lap. And my thimble is one I found in my Great Aunt's sewing things when she died. It was really ugly and tarnished but it fit perfectly. Many years later, I am still using it. And it is beautiful! 24 carat gold with delicate engraving around it. I think of it as my lucky charm!
#25
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
#26
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,345
Originally Posted by jillaine
What is "scrim" in batting? I keep seeing reference to it and have no idea what it is. Thanks.
Everything I could say regarding your question has already been said. If you are interested to see how I quilt you can look at the thread I have posted recently:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-142087-1.htm
But you will see I have a different technique to yours: no thimble, no rocking stitch, no stab-stitching. I only do wholecloth, so I (almost) don't have seams to cross! I can reach 12-14 stitches per inch (sometimes even more), only counted on the top of the quilt. Take your time to find out which method works best for you - there are no written rules you have to follow. The result is what counts!
:)
#27
Originally Posted by Borntohandquilt
But you will see I have a different technique to yours: no thimble, no rocking stitch, no stab-stitching.
I took my quilt off the hoop and it's easier. My # of stitches is increasing, and it definitely improves when I'm not going through a seam allowance.
Does the batting packaging indicate if its batting has scrim or not?
Thanks for all the great responses.
-- Jillaine
#28
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,345
Originally Posted by jillaine
Maybe we're defining rocking differently, but I watched your tutorial, and you do "rock" (maybe that's not the right word)-- i.e., your needle goes down through the fabric from the top, then back up again in the same motion. (as opposed to stabbing all the way down, and then bringing the needle and thread back up in a separate motion with the second hand).
Does the batting packaging indicate if its batting has scrim or not?
Thanks for all the great responses.
-- Jillaine
Does the batting packaging indicate if its batting has scrim or not?
Thanks for all the great responses.
-- Jillaine
:)
I know that a Hobbs batting indicates on the package that it has a scrim but I don't know if Warm & Natural also does it.
#29
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
the only way to achieve the small stitches you aspire to achive is PRACTICE- that's how everyone does it.
finding the right needle for you is important too- but the best needles and the best thread will only go so far- it just takes practice.
finding the right needle for you is important too- but the best needles and the best thread will only go so far- it just takes practice.
#30
Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Port Richey, Fl
Posts: 76
I would love to try hand quilting but don't think that I have the patience. I don't have a long arm machine, would not know how to use it and cannot afford to have someone quilt for me. Does anyone ever hand tie their quilts anymore or am I the only one? Would love to hear about this.
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