Hand Quilting Advice

[Gumdrop09]

I'm new to this site although not new to Quilt in a Day. I've made several Irish Chain quilts from crib-size to queen-size. I've just finished the top of a queen-size double chain and need some advice about hand quilting. I don't have the resources to buy a quilting machine or pay someone to do it for me so I've decided to hand quilt instead of tie (which is what I used to do). Can anyone offer advice on what tools I'll need and suggestions on how/where to start?

Thanks so much!

[Susie]

Gumdrop, I am a beginning quilter....just started in January but did hand quilt one quilt and am working on another. If you go to the "search" button up above and type in hand quilting it will bring up past posts about this subject. Here is what I would suggest though....
good sharp quilting needles...I use the betweens size 10
a thimble with a ridge around the top - if right handed you wear it on your middle right finger.
Get good hand quilting thread - I like Gutterman's (it says hand quilting on the spool)
I use a 14 inch hoop and don't put the quilt real tight in in....you want a little "give"
Do you know the process of hand quilting? How to pop the knot inside?Instead of me descibing it...if you have a library close by they usually have some pretty good books with pictures in them.
The best and last advice I can give you is practice, practice, practice and don't give up!!! Your stitches will get better with time.
If you have any specific questions you can PM me. Hope this helps a little. Good luck....you will enjoy it once it starts to feel natural.
Susie

[1quiltinnana]

Use good hand quilting thread...YLI or Gutterman's is good...glazed on label is good too. Use that "rocking" motion when you stitch and do about 4 to 5 stitches before pulling the thread all the way through then, start again....practice is good. I am still trying to make smaller stitches and all same length. I have some good Quilting books to go by with pics....I use a hoop and I have a PVC pipe quilting frame...Jo Ann's has these if you want to look at one.

[Redtop]

Quilting books are great,but I think watching someone quilt helped me more than anything. Find someone who has quilted for awhile and get them to show you all methods they use. There is nothing like learning by experience. Jump in and have fun.

[quilter78]

I hand quilt all of my quilts, like them better that way.. I use the hoop but I do have a pvc frame and only used it once.. With the hoop I can sit in a easy chair have TV on and it goes fast for me.. I start in the middle of the quilt. just like you do when you pin or baste.. I prefer to baste it for the pins get in the way of the hoop. Use a good quilting thread and between needles. I use an eight or ten. thread several needles so you don't have to stop to thread needles.. keep the quilt loose in the frame, easier to rock back and forth that way.. read the other post for they have more advice. good luck, I started out on table runners and place mats before I attempted my quilts.. practice and practice.. don't try and make the stitches too small when you start, the main thing is that they are even stitches in length. and you can see them on the back. if you don't rock they won't go all the way through. It is not hard and is very relaxing.. Let us know how you are doing.. and don't give up. I would show you some pictures but the usb port went out when I tried to post the last ones and so my scanner doesn't work now.. some day I will get a new one.. some day...... I hope and a new computer.. The smaller the needle the easier it is to quilt..

Mary Ann