Hand Quilting in a frame: Changing directions to quilt

[1quiltinnana]

How do you change directions when quilting by hand on a frame? I can quilt going one direction but find it difficult to go the opposite way. Advice appreciated, please.

[cindyg]

I don't know. I guess you turn yourself into a pretzel. I saw a lady at the Brenham, TX Quilt show and she was hand quilting on one of those PVC pipe frames. I think the frame was about 3' X 3'. Anyway, she had several needles and thread going at once. She quilted towards herself and from right to left as far as she could with each of the strands of thread and then she'd leave the thread there. She never got up but just picked up the frame and turned it a 1/2 turn and started quilting again. I wish I could remember more but that was many years ago. If one is quilting using a big wooden frame I have no idea how they would change directions or quilt a flower motif. I have a quilting hoop that is on a rotating head. It's what I use when hand quilting. It's very lonely.

[ipquilter]

I use a hoop also. I tried a stationary frame but just couldn't learn to quilt in different directions.

[Cathy32078]

I kept practicing until I could quilt away from me as well as toward me. I wear a thimble on my middle finger for when I am quilting toward me and use the underside of my thumbnail to push the needle while quilting away from me. It takes practice but for me it is easier than changing my seating or turning a hoop. My Granny quilted this way when I was a kid. Hope this helps.

[1quiltinnana]

THANKS ....I will try using your suggestions....I have the PVC pipe frame and a hoop. So far, I have enjoyed the hoop for hand quilting but the quilt gets heavy and hangs down....the frame is harder for me to change directions on....appreciate your help!!

[cindyg]

1quiltinnana - when you use your floor PVC quilting frame, do you sit in a chair with casters so you can roll yourself to wherever you need to be?