I never did this so. Do I need a hoop??? Dose the hoop have to be a quilters hoop or will any kind of hoop work?? Any advice will help. Oh I did watch a lot of you tube.
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I never did this so. Do I need a hoop??? Dose the hoop have to be a quilters hoop or will any kind of hoop work?? Any advice will help. Oh I did watch a lot of you tube.
I always hand quilt with a 15" quilt hoop. I do know folks that don't use one. I don't think a regular embroidery hoop would work, because I don't think the layers would all fit. After you get it in the hoop, make sure you check the back, and pull out any wrinkles or gathers. After I do that, I push a little on the top, just enough to loosen it up a little bit, but not to much. Also make sure you use 'between' needles. They are specifically made for quilting. Depending on how you want to quilt, I would suggest using thread that is specifically made for hand quilting. It is heavier, and generally waxed, to go through the layers easier. However our own dear Blondie, uses perle 8 cotton, and I believe an embroidery needle for a more vintage look. I plan on trying that soon.
this is the kind of frame I use when hand quilting
http://www.amazon.com/Q-Snap-SF17-La...uilting+frames
I have a small floor frame that I use as well as a hoop for smaller projects, my hoop is 14", I also quilt like Blondie, perle cotton # 8 and a sewing needle with an eye large enough for the perle cotton....there is one tutorial on You Tube about quilting with perle cotton; that is how I learned...and I love it....haven't tried the regular hand quilting......my daughter wants me too, she thinks I can do it, I am not so sure.....still learning with the primitive method. I do love it though, very relaxing and soothing. Does it work that way for you Marilyn?
I don't use a hoop. When I started quilting, I didn't have a hoop and had to get a project done so I just do it without one. I find it cumbersome to use one. I was told however that you should use a hoop with a screw to tighten or loosen it, not the kind where you just fit one into the other.
Everybody has to find their own way of what works. Good luck!
Hugs,
I have always found it relaxing. Except those times when you are in a crunch to get it done. I only started machine quilting, when I started making quilts for the PICU. Gonna try to hand quilt a few of those this year too.Quote:
Originally Posted by lilmouse
Yup, Blondie is our resident expert! IMHO anyways.....her work is beautious!
I bought ( and love) a frame made from PVC pipe.there are directions on internet to build cheap. I bought this one from Joanns, but it's on Amazon too. It's easy to move,doesn"t take up whole house and be taken apart when your not using. You can do any size quilt,extra just hangs over sides. i got coupon on Joanns site and paid about $60.
Cindy, I have the same hoop and love it...just got mine a couple of weeks ago...very easy to use and raise and lower the sides so you can move back and forth on the quilt!
I use a hoop for small projects but when I was taught I was taught to lay it on a table and quilt. All my first quilts are hand quilted I would sit at the dinning room table and just quilt. She discouraged me from sitting on the couch so for big quilts I don't. I was on The Gracie website the other day and wow they have some frames I would love for hand quilting, for now I'll make do! Always remember too to check your needle I don't know if it's just me but I use a size 10 and I always bend them, I go through a few needles while hand quilting. Can't wait to see yours!!!
I agree with Marilyn, but I also use perl cotton 5 or 8, but then I wax them myself. I bought myself a little round box with wax and just pull the thread thru. That way I also use up leftover thread from Hardanger.Quote:
Originally Posted by auntiemern
I love to hand quilt, but had to quit due to arthritis in my quilting hand. I always got smoother results using a hoop. My favorite hand quilting needles are John James #11.
I will chime in here. I don't use a hoop or frame because I don't have one. Whenever I quilt a larger quilt, I pin the heckfire shoot out of it and go for it. I sit on the sofa and stitch. I prefer quilting with the perl 8 for a few reasons:
1. my hand quilting is not pretty; it is rough and prim but that is what my old hands can do these days. I figure since they are clumsy looking, I may as well show them off. LOL. I used to stitch with some John James 10-11 and love the in betweens. Unfortunately, I know in realiity I will never be able to hold some so small in my fingers again. These days I use some embrodiery needles that are longer than I would like but they are sharp enough which is what counts in quilting. And I don't know how much longer I will be able to hand stitch at all, as our Bubby says, "arthur" is a constant companion.
I've tried hoops, and as Trish has said, you'll find something to suit you. I remember my granny having a frame she would raise and lower for folks to sit around. That was many years ago so I have no clue what happened to it. I would like to think that I could stitch with a floor frame but who knows?
Our Jan Luna took some classes in hand stitching and if she sees this can give you some good advice.
My best advice is this: Have fun. Find what works for you and sew on. If you are a perfectionist, quilting will humble you. Make misteaks and be proud that you actually accomplished something that most people would never do. Find someone to share your love of quilting with - you already have us!
Blessings to you