Big Stitch Quilting

[Blondie]

So here is my first attempt at a "quilt"... just got it in my head I wanted to try and unbeknownst to me,, I did the "Big Stitch Quilting"... just took floss and gave it a whirl!!! LOL

Babs, I think that quilt is adorable!

All my hand stitching is big primitive stitching and has been for years. I have been using perle 8 cotton for hand stitching for almost 20 years. I have tried regular embroidery thread, nope, like the texture I have with the perle 8.

When you do stitch with it, you may notice a harder pull. You can wax your thread and also use a needle puller. I cut spongey drawer liners for that.

I don't use a hoop, as I have never been able to master it. Also, I am far too lazy about taking it off the hoop and re hooping. I pin my quilts securely and don't have issues with bunching up.

[MartinaG]

I am doing a version of the big stitch with #8 Perle Cotton floss right now. The reason I say "version of" is because I do stab-stitching. For some reason, the regular quilting stitch just will not work. So I do it one stitch at a time and the stitches on the back are much smaller than the ones on the front. Since I plan to hang this piece on a wall, I frankly don't care what the back looks like. It does take a LONG time, doing it my way.

What kind of thimbles do you all use? I am not using one at all.

[auntiemern]

I don't use a thimble. I use my thumb nail and quilt from top to bottom. I use a hoop, but keep the quilt pretty loose. I would love to be able to do it without one. I do need to get some perle cotton and try that, cuz I know it would be fantastic. Gonna use what I have for now though.

[lilmouse]

The only thimble I use is a JoAnne's cheapie with a slight lip to help with the stubborn spots...I love the big stitch quilting and it does go fast...I use a small floor model square hoop that I got at JoAnne"s on sale ...love it and it works quite well...is adjustable....

[Lindagie]

OK, I saw a video that said that the back stitches should be smaller than the front; so on my first baby quilt using big stitches, that is how it came out. I am doing one now that I will try to make the back and front the same. I made a ton of circles for the first on. Luckily the backs of my quilts are wild prints and not solids, no one will notice my mistakes; and if they do, OH WELL!
I also can not use a thimble and I don't use a hoop for this. It seems easier without using either. I also use the Perle Cotton #8 thread. I like the look of that thread. It has been fun experimenting.

[Sewflower]

One type of big stitching is called Sashiko. You might Google it and see what comes up

[Sewflower]

It is also called Utility Quilting

Here is a helpful link: Chasing Cottons: Quilt Class 101 - Week 11 - Hand Quilting

[jjkaiser]

I use DMC thread, I don't know the numeric size but not the little balls, but at joann's its right next to the emb floss and is bundled in a single braided loop. The colors are just fantastic. You don't separate the thread like with floss. It is a little thicker than emb thread. I use a crewel needle and big stitch w/o a thimble. When I do regular hand quilting I always use a thimble. I have a 16" hoop that I use, mostly to prevent puckers on the back, but have quilted w/o a hoop and had alright results. I try to keep it consistent, using a hoop for the whole thing or going hoopless for the whole thing.

[jjkaiser]

Thimble: either the Roxanne or my fave, one from the thimble lady in Austrilia. Her thimbles are stainless steel and will last forever. They are way way way better than those cheap crummy ones from Joann's. Don't let the price scare you away. They are so worth it and I can practically guarantee that once you try them you will never go back. Your work will look spectacular and you will be able to quilt effortlessly for hours.

[grma33]

Here is mine and it big.Lol
Gale