hand quilting my way.

Thanks so much for dropping by to read my tutorial on how I hand quilt.  I have been asked a number of times to "share my secret" on the topic and am so happy to do so today.

Before we get started, there are a couple of things I need to point out.  One - I do not use a hoop, two - I do not use a thimble, and three - I do not tug the thread through to "pop" it into a secure place.  

Rather, the quilt sits either on my lap, or depending on how large it is, on a table that I tote around my house, to be near my family in the evenings.  

I don't like a thimble.  I have tried over and over, only to feel like it gets in the way.  I want to "feel" the needle coming through and gauge where it needs to go next.  My finger nails do the trick just fine.  

And as for the security of my thread goes, that is exactly what you will see demonstrated today.

So let's get started shall we?

First off, I draw on my quilts using a water soluble pen that will wash off in the laundry or even with a dab of water if you prefer not to wash right away.

I want the accuracy of a straight line to follow.  It's just more tidy that way ending up with better results.

Once the length of my line is determined, I lay out the thread to it's full length and then add a couple of inches, then cut.  Using this method has saved a good deal of thread.  I never worry about having a long piece that is good for nothing and has to be thrown out.  I hate to waste anything.

Once thread is measured and cut, tie a knot off at the end.  I usually wrap the thread around the needle two or three times to insure a good sized knot.

Here is secret number one.  See how I am gently tucking my arm through the fabric and under the batting?  This is where the security comes in.  The knot is now nestled under the batting as the needle comes up and through the batting plus the quilt top.

Can you see that ok?  It is pushed directly through the line that was drawn earlier.

Once the needle is securely pulled through, begin your quilting, going up and down through all three layers (top, batting, back).  I prefer a "rocking" method of doing this.

Typically, I can get 3 or 4 stitches on my needle, then I give it a gentle tug and repeat, until I reach the end.

This is what it looks like at the end of my row.  Notice how little thread remains on the needle.  No waste!  Just the way I like it!

Next up, secret number two.  I will knot off the thread a lot like I did in the beginning.  At this final stage, the needle and thread is drawn through only the quilt top and batting.

Gently pull back the batting and secure a knot in the previous stitch, from behind.  Don't tug hard.  Just enough to make sure you have your knot in place.  If you tug too hard, it puckers the quilt top.

 Do you see the knot?

And there you have it!  A hand quilted row.   Now to draw the rest of my lines and finish this sweet little quilt.  I will show you the completion in August.

Until then, if you decide to use my method of hand quilting, I would love to see it.  Just let me know so I can drop by your blog.

Also, there are examples of other hand quilting projects on my blog, located on the right side bar.

Have a great weekend!

xoxo