maryb119

I totally agree. This is how I hand quilt too. My hands just can't take the rocking stitch. My friend 'Arthritis" doesn't allow it.

maryb119

Don't waste your money on the stab stitching needles with teh eye in the center. They are too long and they break way too easy.

Susann

Here's a link to a video showing how it's done: http://quiltinggallery.com/2013/07/2...-perle-cotton/

juneayerza

The Art of Stabbing - Hand Quilting the Stab Stitch Method by Cheryl Doody sold on Amazon

I looked all over the internet and really didn't find anything to amount to much on stab stitching. However the book list above is something I am going to order and I will let you know what I think about it.

KarinSt

Thank you. I will look up that book.
Complete guide to quilting by better homes and gardens, 2002 edition, has a segment on stab stitching. It is rather short but in detail. If anyone would like a copy of it, please let me know.

juneayerza

KarinSt - I PMed you with my email address. Thanks

Ariannaquilts

Having had carpal tunnel syndrome for probably 40 years that was the way I learned how to hand quilt or applique , I watched an episode of simply quilts and Alex and a guest called it "stab stitching". They said that you can learn to make a small stitch with practice so if I don't machine applique then this is what I do.

adamae

Having to do only one type of stitching restricts me too much. Sometimes i need to stab but when I get the rocking stitch going, I enjoy it more and I can achieve smaller, more even stitches...which took yrs of practice.
For me, the trick to rocking is with the first insertion of the needle...it helps me if I point my needle straight down vertically into the quilt poking my underneath finger which has elevated the quilt upward and then push slightly forward on the underside then bring the needle up at a sharp angle with my thimble on my right hand... Which makes the first stitch.
Having the right needle is an issue for me....if it is not working for you, try as many as you need to to become comfortable. I favor Betweens while some others like Sharps.
When I stab stitch, my needle is more parallel with the fabric.
I have a friend who stitches neither method...just straight up and down stitching. She wins blues and best of show at the County fair every year.

Toni C

I look at quilting kind of like I look at riding my motorcycle.. it's not what you ride, it's that you ride.. it's not how you quilt.. it's THAT you quilt.
Amen Tippy! I like the way you think

#1piecemaker

I tried this method when I was learning but I couldn't seem to get it right. I'm a rocker.