Techniques for hand-quilting are as diverse as the quilters who use them. The following methods can be used in accordance with personal preference and style.
Hand-Quilting Equipment
Gather the supplies and tools you’ll need for your quilting project before you begin it. The supplies and tools you’ll need for hand quilting should be included in your list of necessities. In addition to a list of essential hand-quilting supplies, this book includes helpful hints.
Frame or hoop: Those who enjoy working with fabric tend to favor the frame. A major selling point for those who prefer frames over hooping is that you don’t have to spread your layers out under the hoop, which frees up your hands to quilt. Sewing projects necessitate the use of frame supports. Ties must be more cumbersome than frames since hoops are more compact and convenient. To accommodate the thickness of quilt layers, hoops are deeper than embroidery hoops.
A standard sewing needle and coping (thread) has a small eye and is short enough to be used in everyday sewing. Eight, nine, and ten feet are common lengths. A size 8 is ideal for those who are just getting started.
Perforating the numerous layers of cloth and batting is made easier thanks to this pressure alleviation.
Sturdier than quilting thread is the cotton sewing thread that most sewers use.
Sewing table like seen here or sturdy work surface to support your project. In order to avoid repetitive strain injuries, it is best to work on a level surface that brings the quilt up to eye level.
For piecing together the top of your quilt, use a color that will not stand out against the fabric. This is also the color you will use to outline your quilt design, if desired.
Neutral thread is recommended for both of these tasks.
The Basics of Hand-Quilting
With an 18-inch “Begin and stop the stitching process by making a stitch and hiding it in one of the layers. Knots will not be visible on the front or back of the project as a result of this technique.
Securing the First Thread
Holding the tail over your needle, over-extend it by roughly half, you’re ready to begin sewing! “above, to be precise.
Two or three times around the needle, flatten the thread and bring it to the needle’s front end.
The wraps should be held in place with the finger tip while the needle is held approximately an eighth of an inch from the point. The needle should be held just above or below the point’s butt.
Make a tugging motion with your hands, pulling the thread tight around your shank as you go. Pinching the wraps is the technical term for this action. Large plastic pins should be used for larger projects.
Sew back and forth from the quilt top and batting, but do not sew through the backing, with a needle long enough to reach the center of the quilt. Put your needle down when you’re ready to begin the next seam.
You can embed it in the batting by pulling the thread gently through the quilt top.
How to End Quilting Stitches
The Ending of a Thread
By doing this, the bobbin will not become entangled in the needle.
The following is a formal vision: Twist the thread twice around the needle, keeping it close to the quilt’s surface, and then use it.
In this step, you will fold the raw edge of the stitching pattern to the point where it meets the quilt top and batting layers at a right angle.
The needle should be pulled out about a half-inch to a 1-inch away from the stitching once you’ve pinched it back in place.
You’ll need to carefully tug the thread to get it to pop out of its spool and into the batting.
An 8-inch strip of bias tape is used after cutting a zigzag edge around one of the main piecing’s edges. The underside of the bias tape touches the fabric’s surface. It’s best for huge pieces, but it’s also good for small ones.
Run-Stitch for Hand-Quilting
Wear a thimble on the middle finger of your stitching hand for this traditional hand-quilting stitch.
Make a straight line with your needle pointed away from the quilt and without any tension, push it through until you feel a needle point sticking out of the fabric.
If the needle is too close to the surface, slide your finger away from you and push up against it until you find a comfortable distance. Gently draw the quilt needle out of the layers until the needle tip is three-and-a-quarter-inches away from the quilt’s upper edge.
With your thimble finger, locate the needle’s eye. Set the eye tipper so that it is almost perpendicular to the quilt top and the tip of the thimble nail is in the fabric, then place your thumb immediately ahead of the stitching. If you can feel the needle’s elegance once more, then it’s time to put your thimble needle to good use.
Make sure you repeat steps 2 and 3 for the second time around.
Continue rocking and rolling the needle until it is full.
Stitch the quilt as close to the quilt top as possible.
Remember that stitch length uniformity is more essential than individual stitch length.
Taking the Needle on the Road
As a quilter, you may choose to terminate a seam by traveling the seam, which will considerably limit any danger of your quilt turning inside out. Knot a length of thread before measuring off a section of 1″ to 2″ to get the greatest results with this technique, which is known as traveling. Feathers, for example, are often quilted while on the road. You should tie your thread and keep starting a new one if the distance you need to travel is greater than that.
To continue quilting, transfer the needle to the next section of the quilt top when you finish stitching it. Make sure not to overstitch any turning places, like corners and borders of quilting, if your thread color is darker than the top. Remove the needle to the fullest extent possible. Going back a little distance will help ensure that the next section of quilt top is securely wrapped around the needle if this is not possible. Overstitching detracts from the beauty of a well-executed pattern.
You should leave some of the needle’s eye open for beginners, and pivot it toward where your next stitching line will begin. As a result of this, the needle does not pierce all the layers, nor does it penetrate the front fabric layer.
A thimble is a great tool for positioning the needle near one of your fingers. Push the needle’s point, Eye first, toward the next starting point with this fingertip. Bring the needle’s eye to light. Take control of the needle. Start stitching in the specified location.
Wrapping Up
If you’re new to quilting, don’t be discouraged if your results are not perfect. Like any skill, quilting takes time and practice to master. Quilting is a relaxing and enjoyable hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a little patience and practice, you’ll be quilting like a pro in no time!
