| These are instructions for someone who is new to | | | | together (quilt top, batting and backing). We |
| hand quilting. This article covers items needed, as well | | | | recommend that you don't leave more than about a 6" |
| as useful tips to make your hand quilting experience | | | | area of your quilt unquilted. |
| faster and more enjoyable. If you have never quilted | | | | Thread approximately 1 yard of thread through a |
| before, we recommend that you start small, by making | | | | needle and tie a double knot with both ends. Poke the |
| a doll quilt or a baby quilt, until you get more | | | | needle through the top layer of fabric approximately |
| comfortable with quilting. | | | | ½" from the point you want to start at. Bring the |
| Items needed: | | | | needle back up through the top layer at your beginning |
| Quilting needles - We prefer Sharp brand quilting | | | | point and pull the thread until the knot is hidden |
| needles. As for size, we prefer a needle that is 1) | | | | between the top layer of fabric and the quilt batting. |
| thin-because it goes though fabric easier and 2) | | | | Now you can take approximately 1/8" stitches around |
| long-because it allows you to take more stitches. | | | | the area you are quilting. When you come to the end |
| Quilting thread - We recommend quilting thread that is | | | | of your thread or the end of a line, tie a double knot |
| the same color as your quilt backing. | | | | right next to the fabric, then poke the needle through |
| Thimble - Some prefer to push the needle through with | | | | the top layer of fabric and bring it back up |
| their thumb and some prefer to use their pointer or | | | | approximately ½" away. Pull the thread until the |
| middle finger. Find a thimble that fits the finger that you | | | | knot goes through the top layer and is hidden between |
| like to use. I like to use my thumbnail to push the needle | | | | the top layer and the quilt batting. Cut the thread very |
| through because it's faster than using a thimble. It's just | | | | close to the fabric. Continue this process quilting until |
| a matter of what works best for you. | | | | finished. |
| Needle grabber - A needle grabber works great when | | | | Tips: |
| you are quilting through thick fabric, seams, or if you | | | | 1) Be sure to keep everything flat and tight to avoid |
| just like to take a lot of stitches at once. It helps you | | | | puckers. |
| get a grip on your needle to pull it through the fabric if | | | | 2) Try to avoid quilting on seams where it will be more |
| your needle gets stuck. | | | | difficult to pull your needle through. |
| Quilting Frames, Clamps and Large Tacks - see article | | | | 3) It doesn't have to be "perfect", especially if you are |
| - How to Put a Quilt On Using Frames | | | | new to quilting! You are probably the only one who will |
| -or- | | | | notice your minor imperfections! |
| A Quilting Hoop - see article - How to Put a Quilt On | | | | 4) Have a quilting party! Invite your friends over to help |
| Using a Hoop | | | | you quilt. You will have a lot more fun visiting and |
| The Quilting Process | | | | eating food while you are quilting. |
| The purpose of quilting is to hold the layers of a quilt | | | | |