KarenSimon

Mine comes out between 8 and 9. But it takes lots and lots of practice to get there.

Kyiav10

[quote=janRN]When your underneath finger bleeds and then gets calloused you know you're through the 3 quilt layers. I can't use a thimble on that finger because I have to "feel" it go through (does that make sense?). quote]

Ditto. I use my thumb nails on the top and bottom to feel the need and help guide it. Had a couple ouches.

Definately no expert. I am almost finished quilting the train quilt that was my first. And I can see quite the difference from bottom to top in my stitches.

Kyia

KiwiQuilter

I get around 8 to 10 stitches on the top, per inch. I don't quilt till I bleed (okay - on occasion I have), but generally you can feel the needle without being "punctured".

I would reinforce what others have said, which is consistency rather than stitch length is the most important thing.

LindaR

I"ve never counted but work to keep them all even and the same....If I don't hand quilt for awhile it takes times to get back in the groove

jbud2

I have often wondered if they counted the top AND bottom stitches to get some of their counts!! And the part about the bottom finger getting jabbed till it bleeds?? Been there - done that! I have a pretty good callus going on now. I'll rub bagbalm in before I go to bed. And my thumb nail, too! I even use a thimble but I like to feel the pains, and joys of making a quilt! LOL!!

shaverg

I have to feel the needle too, but I found a medical tape at the drug store by Nexicare 3M, called flexiclear tape. I put two layers and can still feel the needle, I have to change it every hour or so once a hole is worn through, but it actually works great. I have used if from almost the begininning of my quilting, it use to be made by johnson and johnson and was a little more narrow.

jemcnutt

I agree!! Consistency is great!

azdesertrat

Im glad i read this topic my mom,sister and i are all taking a beginning hand quilting class together,mymom said she needs a hobby(boy is she in for it now)so we all signed up at our LQS,it really learning how to mark and do the stitiches, on muslin and batting which they are providing, along with a needle.

cindyjean

I like your quote. Oh how very true about a worn bible

deranged_damsel

6 I dont care for small as much as EVEN. my wrists dont do much smaller anyway.