Hand quilting

[MAWmum]

Laura how do you use that quilting paddle? Carin

[quiltermom91]

I am at work so I really have to visualize this . . . you knot your thread as you usually would and pull the knot through the back layer and up through the front, then you start the needle down into the fabric, but don't push it all the way through. Then you use the very small notches (you can see them there if you look closely)to hold the needle (it just rests against the back of the needle) and you use it to push it through. Then you rock it back and forth by coming back up and then going back down (I think like you would do with a regular needle) and when you have 3 or 4 stitches you pull the thread all the way through and continue. It's hard to explain, but it is very easy on the fingers and it goes pretty fast.

I use a lap hoop to hand quilt and use my left hand under the fabric to help guide the needle so I get small enough stitches. I can get 10 - 12 stitches an inch with this.

It is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE tool. I don't think that I could handquilt without it. Laura

[JudyWoo]

Let me get this right ... after you poke the needle partially through the quilt, you put the paddle in your right hand on TOP of the quilt and maneuver the needle with it? Not on the underside?

Judy

[MAWmum]

Mmmmm that sound hard! I was with Judy thinking it went on the underside. Hmmmmm I wonder if they have that at my LQS and will let me try it first.
Thanks for the info.
Carin/MAWmum

[quiltermom91]

I am so sorry it's hard to explain, because it really isn't hard to use. You pull the knot through like usual and the needle to the top side of the quilt. That is where the paddle is. Yes you use your right (or left) hand to push it. The paddle always stays on top but the needle still goes through just like regular hand quilting. Just that you are not actually touching the needles, the paddle is.

My friend gave it to me and I am not sure where she got it. Maybe at a quilt show. I have never really seen it at a store.

I wish you guys were closer so that I could show you how easy it is. I don't know how to upload a video somewhere or I could have my daughter video it with her cell phone.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

[JudyWoo]

I ordered the paddle from Threads and More and it's called a Hand Held Quilting Thimble. Plus I got four packs of needles in various sizes and some things called an Under Thimble, a package of ThimblePads, and some Adhesive Replacement Pad ... whatever they are. lol Just want to be prepared when I try this.

[beatr]

Another aid for hand quilting is "tiger tape". It is like masking tape but 1/4" wide and black lines where the stitches go. You place the tape next to where you want to stitch and follow the lines. Works well for me

[JudyWoo]

Where do you get the 1/4" tiger tape? Is it sold in fabric stores or is it found in a hardward store item along with the paints and masking tape? Sorry to be such a pain, but I need all the help I can get.

Judy

[sadiedaisy1]

I just saw that Tiger Tape on line the other day. Here's the link:
http://www.oldmadequilts.com/tiger_tape.html. You might want to do a search for price, but this page will show you what it is. I don't hand quilt so I don't know how well it helps, but it seems like it would. Judy, when you get comfortable hand quilting, let us non-hand quilters know how you like it and what helped you the most. I'm thinking of giving it a try too, especially on some smaller projects.

[Susie]

That Tiger Tape is neat although I haven't used it...yet!
These are the items I would recommend for anyone wanting to try hand quilting.

A thimble with the ridge on the tip
Gutterman HAND QUILTING thread (cotton) ...not the machine thread
12 - 14 inch hoop and don't put your quilt real tight in it (you need some "give) or you will just bend your needle!
I like the James John Quilting needles in size 10 betweens (but I have used the Dritz needles too..they just aren't as strong)
Masking tape is good if you are trying to make straight quilting lines
Good light so you can see!
Practice to get your stitches even...that is more important than the number of stitches to the inch. They will get smaller with experience.
Once I got the hang of it I found that I love it and it is very relaxing to do in the evening.
Good luck!
Susie