Lori S

I think I made mine tight , as I was conditioned to do this when I embroider. It took me a bit to figure out , its not the same , and let the layers relax in the frame.

ube quilting

Thank's for the lesson. Now I won't make that same move when I try hand quilting! It's good to see you here!
peace

ube quilting

I think 10 to the inch is considered very good and 12 is master, but don't quote me. I don't think there should be any pressure on you. I saw some of Kaffe Fassetts' quilts at a show and there was some very primative looking quilting on the quilts and it looked great. Don't expect to do master stitching if you are new at it. It takes practice as everything does. Just do what is comfortable and what you like!

NJ Quilter

Trial and error - that's what it's all about. I use a thimble but only on my pushing finger. I still need to feel the needle on my 'under' fingers. I just change fingers frequently but they still look like worn out pincushions by the time I'm done with a quilt.

nhweaver

I can't use a thimble either, but I use those little round pieces of leather that sticks to the finger. Love it, no more blood on the quilt.

quiltingal

Me too. I would love to be able to hand quilt but for some reason I just can not do it.

familyfun

I went to a hand quilting class once and the instructor kept telling me to make the fabric tighter and then she told me about 12 times I needed to try to rock the needle for more than a couple of stitches.. I was just like DUH how and the heck am I suppose to do that. I did have fun in the class because of the other ladies but I was not thrilled with the teacher. I actually prefer to hand quilt without a frame. I just have to baste really really well.

katybob

What's the best batting for handquilting, especially for a beginner?

Borntohandquilt

I did many hand quilting demonstrations on quilt shows over the years. When people looked at me while I was working many of them wer really surprised about the "looseness" of the quilt in the hoop! They tried many times to get familiar with hand quilting and they couldn't - just because they put their work too tight in the hoop. So you see: you are not alone! And now life is easier for you!

Borntohandquilt

As already said consistency is much more important than stitch length. In my experience it depends so much of the fabric and the batting you are working with. Hand quilting is like hand writing, everybody has to find his/her own way and personal preferences and the result always looks a little different. Try to aim for regular stitches and for straightness - the stitch size will probably change while practicing.