Judy in Waco

Okay, really? Do I have to use the hoop? Why do I need it? It's really starting to tick me off. :thumbdown:

Also, my stitches seem too big to me, but I don't have anyone to show them to. How many per inch?

AbbyQuilts

No you dont have to use the hoop.
If you try with out it make sure you have basted really really well.
I prefer to hand quilt without the hoop.
Also what may help is to make sure you are not putting the quilt in taunt like with needlework. You want it somewhat lose.


As far as stitches. Well I dont really know I think my mom taught me something like 10-12 per inch but I just do whatever I can get loaded on the needle. Dont know that I have ever really counted.
If you can post a pic of your stitches I am sure someone here will be able to tell you if they are too big.
Just remember your stitches will get better with time

virtualbernie

My thoughts (you will get many others)--

You don't have to use a hoop if you baste really well. I was taught on a hoop but do it both ways--with or without--depends on my mood. Your stitches will improve over time. Just try to keep them even and it will be fine. If you are going to use the hoop make sure your quilt is not hooped too tightly. The quilt has to have some give and you should find that your stitches can be worked a little easier.

mamahippychicky

It took me ages to get used to the hoop, but now I love it.

Don't worry about your stitches being big, just make them consistent. It has taken me years to get small quilting stitches. Every quilt I have done has been better than the last one. Good luck and have fun!

Cathie_R

I find my stitches are smaller if I use a hoop. You can get a better "rocking" motion going. Practice, Practice and more practice. By the time you finish the quilt you will be really good!

Judy in Waco

Thanks for the responses! :) Yes, I think I had it too tight and OMGosh, no way I'm taking a photo of my stitches yet. :O (Good idea though if I had more confidence. lol)

And uh yeah...if the stiches are that small, I have some work to do. Thank you for your help.

mrspete

Oh, Judy, your puppy is so adorable. I have a dear friend who is a rescue lady and she specializes in those little babies. Soooo, cute!

Blessings,
Ruth

Annaquilts

I like the hoop that is two hoops so it is up a little. One thing that helped me tremendously is when some one showed me to make the quilt bat tight and then put your fist on it and push down. Then thighten the hoop again. It should be slack the fabric bat.

Judy in Waco

Oh, thank you, Ruth. :) I'll give Kandi your compliments. I also have another yorkie, Gizmo. I love my furbabies. :thumbup:

Borntohandquilt

You don't have to use a hoop for hand quilting, there are many quilters who work without and get wonderful results. For me it works better when I use a hoop, but at the beginning of my quilting career I needed some time to get familiar with it. Today I can't work without my hoop on a stand.
The length of stitches is discussed very often. But more important than stitch length is eveness. You can do longer stitches and when they are even it looks beautiful.
And one more thing: you need practice, practice, practice to find your own way of quilting.