Hoop for hand quilting
#2
I meet with a bunch of handquilters once a week. They tend to use oblong shaped ones. For me, I've tried every shape and size I could think of and found everyone to feel awkward. Then someone said.. "then don't use one". So far (knock wood) it's worked ok for me. I do pen the quilt well before I start.
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 5,572
I have a cheap round wood one from JoAnns. I've been quilting for 10+ years now and this is the second one I've had to buy (first broke) so for the $$ I think I'm ahead of the game. It's a bit larger than elbow to fingers across. I can have a 12" block loose in the hoop and quilt the whole block. I have no stand or anything as I like to lean back in my chair and quilt.
It's what works for me. If you're just starting out, try it. You may progress to something else down the road but at least you won't be out major $$ for something that might not be right for you.
It's what works for me. If you're just starting out, try it. You may progress to something else down the road but at least you won't be out major $$ for something that might not be right for you.
#8
I don't use a hoop. I hand baste or pin, then just quilt with it in my lap. I've purchased hoops and tools designed to avoid the constant pricking of my lower fingers, but I can't master the techniques
#9
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
I tried quilting with a round hoop and quilting without a hoop. What works best for me is a lap hoop. The one I have swivels on a wooden ball and is very easily adjusted for tilt and angle. This hoop leaves both hands free to quilt, plus there is virtually no obstruction to the underneath hand. My hoop is no longer made, but the closest thing to it is probably the Grace lap hoop. You can check out reviews of it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Grace-PolyPro-...dp/B002XNSJGE/ . Mine is all wood; I'm not sure if the plastic version grips the quilt as well as wood. Grace also makes an all-wood version of this frame.
I tried quilting without a hoop, but found that my stitches were considerably less even -- especially underneath.
In any hoop, a common beginner's mistake is to hoop too tightly -- like a drum. You want to have about 4" inches of "give" in the center of the hoop. A good rule is to allow the middle to move a fist's width down or up. This "give" in the quilt allows you to manipulate not only the needle with each stitch, but also the quilt (so you are also moving the quilt onto the needle).
I tried quilting without a hoop, but found that my stitches were considerably less even -- especially underneath.
In any hoop, a common beginner's mistake is to hoop too tightly -- like a drum. You want to have about 4" inches of "give" in the center of the hoop. A good rule is to allow the middle to move a fist's width down or up. This "give" in the quilt allows you to manipulate not only the needle with each stitch, but also the quilt (so you are also moving the quilt onto the needle).
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post