Are there rules to hand quilting because I think I just broke them!

[Kazd]

Have just finished a beginners lap quilt and went to our local quilting shop and as usual came away with purchases. I bought quilting needles, a leather thimble and a leather thimble with a coin in it, quilting thread, marking pen, template plastic and a marking pencil. First the eye of the needle is so small even with my glasses I cannot see to thread, secondly the thread is really to thick to go through the eye. Hey oh eventually managed to get it threaded and put my quilt into the frame having previously found a stencil of a flower in the internet, traced with a sharpie and cut it out. The marking pencil worked well, it's yellow on a dark plain background and then we started.

Well the needle was so small I could not control it or decide where the second thimble should go. I was wearing the full leather on the index finger of my right hand and I don't know if it was because the leather is new and fairly hard but the needle would a ) not stand up in my material and b) every time I tried to control it with the thimble it just fell over. If it tried without then I could almost get the rockin started but obviously you can't do too much like that. Eventually I gave up and just used a regular needle without rockin but using a backstitch this way my stitches were more uniform albeit maybe a little long. Oh and I also took it out of the hoop which was easier although to be fair I was on the edge and you can't really use a hoop there.

Help really want to learn to quilt the traditional way but struggling. In the UK though so we can't get everything you guys can. The thread I used is Gutterman hand quilting thread I believe, seems to be thicker than regular thread.

Thanks
Kazd

[Quiltfreestyle]

I haven't done any hand quilting in years, arthritis in my hands,,, but yes the thread is thicker than regular sewing thread.
Also, You should be doing a running stitch, not a back stitch. It's much easier that way. I was told when I started that it's more important that your stitches be as even as youcan make them. As you practice, the stitches will get smaller & it will get easier.
Good luck & keep practicing.

[Kazd]

So I guess backstitch is completely wrong then. I feel and unpicking session coming on. Just tried to add pictures but can't get them to upload. Took pictures with my iPhone and now on Mac trying to upload from the photo stream. Is there anything particular I need to do to upload.

[Doloris]

When I hand quilt, I use a metal thimble on my middle finger. The top of the thimble is dented in a little. I then push the needle through the quilt with the tip of my finger. The dented in top keeps the needle from slipping off the thimble. At first your stitches will be a little longer, but with practice they will get better.

[Monique]

You can get quilting needles with bigger eyes. I use Bohin-betweens /big eye and a metal thimble in the right hand. Practice, practice and you will find your rhythm. And a needle threader on occasion.

[Madeforyouinma11]

I haven't done any hand quilting either, but I have been trying to read and watch videos because I would like to try it. I went to you tube and typed in " how to hand quilt" and there are a lot of videos. Maybe if you looked there, you might find something that works for you. I think the basics are the same, you just need to find a technique that you are comfortable with. Good luck and let us know how you make out.
I have no suggestions on uploading your pics. I use my ipad whenever I upload pics...sorry.

[mommiepainter]

I highly recommend a Clover Needle Threader. I couldn't be without mine.

[New York Sue]

I highly recommend a Clover Needle Threader. I couldn't be without mine.

I keep meaning to pick one of these up...

[Sandy Navas]

Just a wee big of caution with the Clover needle threaders (I mean to get one for myself but haven't as yet). I was told they only work with ROUND-EYE needles - not the oblong or oval eyes. Something to check further and verify before the purchase?

[Kazd]

I tried using a regular needle threader but the thread was too thick to come back through doubled which is how they work and it just stripped the thread. I have a needle threader similar to the clover one but haven't tried that. The needles I have been sold are John James Size 10 Quilting but they have the tiniest eye.