Needing help with handquilting.
#51
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 135
I want to tell you that I am proud of you having the desire to quilt with failing vision. I think that is the best thing to have, desire. My 89 year old mother has faioling vision and has always done quilting, embroidery and others but now refuses to try. One thing the center for the blind did for her was to get her some green glasses which makes it easier to descern colors.
#52
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Granbury, Texas
Posts: 881
I also hand quilt all the time. I love it an it is relaxing - I have this magnifier that hangs from my neck and it has a small light on it. Well, I use to use it, probably should start again. I have now noticed that I take my glasses off when I am quilting, I can see better - wierd but true - I have a lamp (kind of like the OTT lamp but cheaper) that is a daylight and I love it. I use a portable lap hoop - that has a flat bottom to it so I can use both hands. I use size 9/10 quilting needles mostly John James, but the last ones I bought from the LQS is Mary Arden of England and I just love these. I am self taught and if my stitches are not even not a big deal to me since I am not going to stress over that anymore and the quilts are made for family and friends not for show. Hope all the answers from everyone helps you. We are all here for help and inspiration when needed. Happy New Year... :)
#54
Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 15
Quilting by hand is a great pleasure. I too use the l/4 inch tape in order to stitch safely and straight. The needles you speak of make it easier to thread. I also use a Ott Light when doing anything with my quilting. It is like sunshine and helps me to see everything I am doing. You will find them less expensive in Office Supply Companies or places like Lowes Hardware. Quilting shops usually charge twice the price. I would also suggest that you use large patterns when quilting. If there is any questions everyone will pitch in to help you.
#55
Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 42
A friend who taught a quilt class called quilting 1/4" from seamline "echo quilting." It is much easier than SID. I prefer to use a 14" round hoop when hand quilting, size 10 to 12 between needles, my old metal thimble I used when learning to sew many years ago, and a small jewelers pliers to make pulling the full needle through the quilt easier on my fingers. I love hand quilting and once settled down to do so can't find a place to quit. I also use painters tape to help keep my quilting lines straight.
#60
Remember to keep your stitches even in length, I try to put 3 stitches on one needle at a time, so I can tell if they are the same. Sometimes I even draw my lines so they are straight when sewing blocks together.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
AngieS
Main
38
10-06-2011 10:06 PM