Question about hand quilting

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05-07-2011, 06:14 AM

#11

Leota

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Location: Oklahoma

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Thank you for your answers... I'll just keep practicing...

05-07-2011, 07:19 AM

#12

KarenK

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Join Date: Dec 2010

Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota

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I think we have to figure out what works best for us. It takes time and patience to determine the best size of needle, the best thimble, etc.

The only way I can hand quilt - and get good results - is toward my body and using the rocking motion. It took LOTS of practice!

05-07-2011, 07:27 AM

#13

Maia B

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Location: IL

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I can't quilt (well anyway) away from myself.

05-07-2011, 07:41 AM

#14

Kitsie

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Location: Ridgefield WA

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Borntohandquilt

I also quilt towards my body and I do single stitches. For me personally this is the "secret" of doing tiny stitches - but I think other quilters prefer a different way of quilting. Everybody has to find out what works best for him/her and there is no general rule. I know many hand quilters and they all have their own method, all use different tools. The result is what counts!

Oh, Andrea you've given me hope! I can only do single stitches, too! And I thought I'd never be an "expert" that way! Now I know I can still aspire to greatness!

05-07-2011, 07:52 AM

#15

Borntohandquilt

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Kitsie

Oh, Andrea you've given me hope! I can only do single stitches, too! And I thought I'd never be an "expert" that way! Now I know I can still aspire to greatness!

For me an "expert" in hand quilting is not identified by the technique he or she uses - there are sooo many different ones! It's the result he or she achieves.

Enjoy your way of quilting and enjoy what you do!

05-07-2011, 07:56 AM

#16

lfw045

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Location: Hopewell, VA (for the moment anyway)

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That's the beauty of quilting without at hoop or frame...I can quilt in any direction I need to.

05-07-2011, 08:05 AM

#17

olgaflowers

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Join Date: Oct 2010

Location: Mckinney Texas :)

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Ifw045, love Your avartar !!
next time I handquilt I'll pay attention which way
I quilt, mostly what feels right!

05-07-2011, 09:11 AM

#18

Kat Sews

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Join Date: Oct 2010

Posts: 647

I am more comfortable quilting toward myself but on a frame it isn't always possible.

05-07-2011, 11:01 AM

#19

Kas

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Location: Renton, WA

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Borntohandquilt

So if you do single stitches, are you doing a stab stitch, or do you still rock it? Secrets please! What a dream to be even able to quilt 1/4 as beautifully as you!

05-07-2011, 12:19 PM

#20

Borntohandquilt

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Join Date: Apr 2010

Posts: 4,345

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kas

So if you do single stitches, are you doing a stab stitch, or do you still rock it? Secrets please! What a dream to be even able to quilt 1/4 as beautifully as you!

I don't do stab stitching - it's a kind of a rocking stitch but I pull out the needle after I put only one stich on it.
At the beginning of a new thread I don't pull the complete thread through the fabric, I leave a big "loop". After that I do several stitches and pull through the complete length of the thread. This is a little bit quicker and it prevents the thread of fraying too much.