Hand Quilting

[quilter4ever23]

When hand quilting how tight should the quilt be in the hoop?

[auntjana]

I find that it is your preference - more to the point - how small can you get your stitches at the tightness in the hoop.

I hand quilt with my fabric pulled tight - then I push in the center to loosen it up slightly. This way I check to see that I have no wrinkles in the back and everything is OK. It makes it easier for me to get a decent size stitch.

I have seen demonstrated on TV a method that the fabric is very loose in the quilting hoop and her stitches are amazing small and precise -

So see what works best for you
Jana

[cindyg]

When I was hand quilting I'd put the quilt in the frame, check the badck to make sure all was smooth and wrinkle-free then I'd punch it in the middle with my fist to loosen it up a bit.

[Joannequilts]

When I first started hand quilting, I pulled it all very tight. But found out that it's very hard to quilt that way..so when I use the hoop, I do what Cindy and Jana do..put it in tight then push the center. The same with the frame...back it off a turn from being tight.

But, with that said, try it both ways!