Hand Quilting

[MYellowRose]

Do any of you here do hand quilting, at least the piecing if not the actual quilting?
I picked up the September issue of The Quilter Magazine today and found a couple of projects in there suitable for a beginner that I liked the looks of.
I don't really have the room right now for anything like that but I do believe in planning ahead so I'm looking for advice for just the bare necessities that I will need to begin with. I'm thinking of possibly getting a small lap/stand quilting frame since there's no way I'll ever have the space for a full-size frame. Anyone here use a small frame? If so can you tell me any quirks you may have found about using it?

[bee_pipes]

My wife quilts by hand. I wanted to get her something one year for xmas or her birthday (can't remember which) and gound a quilt rack that is about 2'x4'. It has legs like a card table and folds up to fit in the closet. It's not a fancy quilt rack with rolls for top, bating and bottom; it's more like a giant embroidery hoop. A frame fits over the outside of the table and holds the quilt in place over her lap.. She moves the quilt through, section by section, and does the quilting. She hasn't used it in a while - now she pretty much keeps the quilt folded/balled up except for the section she's working on. I think that turned out to be the simplest way to work.

Regards,
Pat

[Suzy]

I make baby quilts and lap quilts. I quilt by hand and don't use a quilting frame or hoop.

I pin the top, batting, and back together with lots and LOTS of quilting pins.

I then start at one end and just start quilting!

I've found that using a extremely small needle helps me make SMALL quilting stitches!

I sold about 50 of these last year. I hardly ever sit down anywhere that I'm not sewing or quilting by hand. You'd be surprised just how much you can get done while watching TV!

If I am doing a quilt where the top is one piece and NOT pieced, I take a yard stick (that belonged to my late mother) and with pencil I make a grid, drawing lines across in one direction, one inch apart; then turn and do the other direction, leaving me hundreds of tiny squares. I then start quilting on one side (after CAREFULLY pinning the back, batting, and front together) doing all the lines in one direction before I start the other direction.

These turn out beautifully, are easy to do, and look SO professional!

So all I started with was some good pins, some good quality needles, good quality thread and away I went!

best wishes!

[MNMOM]

Suzy,
When I'm hand quilting, I pin as you do, then I start quilting from the middle out, I've had better luck that way, no puckers.

[MYellowRose]

* Suzy can you elaborate on your crib/lap quilts? *That's the size I'd like to start with since I think it would be better to start on something small. *
* Do you have any particular pattern you use or do you just do what you're in the mood to do?
* I want to do one each for the girls and hope to get them done in just over a year for Christmas '09. *I know one will have lots of yellow in it and the other two will probably be one pink and one purple. *
* Can you suggest a pattern or patterns for them? *The one for the 4 yr. old will be the yellow one, the pink one will be for the 2 yr. old, and the purple for the 6 yr. old. *I don't want kiddie patterns as I want these to be something they can keep for many years. *I'm serious considering just doing a 9 patch since it is probably the easiest for a newby. *Also I may tie the quilt together rather than actually quilting it, any thoughts there? *
* Should I opt for a twin size rather than the smallest size since I want it to last for many years?

[MNMOM]

If you want the quilts to be used for longer than childhood, I would opt for the twin bed size.

A nine patch is an easy way to start quilting with. *You can always arrange them the way you want.

If you google quilt patterns, you can find free patterns on the internet.

http://www.byannie.com/images/wickedly_easy_quilts_patterns.pdf

[Lynnkay]

MYellowRose, my first quilt many years ago, was a twin-size tied together 'Trip Around the World' It was very simple for a first time quilter, and I made another one right after it. This pattern gives you a nice 'center' square where you can do something special, if you like, such as embroidery or a name, etc.

[MYellowRose]

Lyndakay would you mind posting the directions or telling me where on the net I can find them? I like the idea of the center square that can be decorated for each girl. Thanks so much for the idea. Oh yes, did you do it by hand or machine?

[MYellowRose]

:-[ :-[

MNMOM, I must apologize, I accidentally skipped your post with the link in it. Oops! So sorry. When I saw the link I checked it out and boy do I like it! I really like the fact that the pattern that popped up used fat quarters, that way I can buy a few at a time and put them away until I have enough to make my quilts. For 3 twin quilts as shown in that pattern I would need at least 60 fat quarters. I should be easy to get lots of different fabrics in the three colors that I want to use with very little trouble.
I'm trying to decide if I want to try and buy a used sewing machine before getting into quilting. What I may do is just buy one of the new machines I've seen at Wal-Mart for $80. At one time there was a sewing machine place here that sold, new and used machines and even had a lay-away program. Sure wish I remembered the name of it so I could see if it's still in existance. That way I could try and put a good used machine in lay-away and get it out in about 6 months or so.
Thanks so much for posting that link. I'm about to go check out her website to find out what else she has that I like.

[amandamay83]

<snip>
I'm trying to decide if I want to try and buy a used sewing machine before getting into quilting. *What I may do is just buy one of the new machines I've seen at Wal-Mart for $80. *At one time there was a sewing machine place here that sold, new and used machines and even had a lay-away program. *Sure wish I remembered the name of it so I could see if it's still in existance. *That way I could try and put a good used machine in lay-away and get it out in about 6 months or so.<snip>


Speaking from experience, I would stay far, far away from the $80 Walmart machines. They're okay (I guess) as a starter machine, but if you plan on doing any amount of sewing, and certainly an entire quilt, you'd be far better served getting an "vintage" machine. For the most part, you can get a good, heavy machine from the 50s/60s for $20 and spend $50 on a tune-up, and have a machine that will serve you much better for much longer than any Walmart machine.

Regarding hand quilting, that is all that my mom or I do. Neither of us has room for a large frame, so my mom bought us each small lap frames, essentially made out of PVC pipes. I'll see if I can find a link. They're my absolute favorite way to quilt.

[MYellowRose]

I'm putting off the quilting for a while since I just bought 16 skeins of yarn that Wal-Mart had on sale for $1.50 each. For some reason they seem to be discontinuing some of the better yarn. DD spent $65 yesterday on another type of yarn they are discontinuing. Michael's has the same thing she got for over twice the price, that's why she bought so much. LOL

[sonshine]

:-[ :-[ I'm trying to decide if I want to try and buy a used sewing machine before getting into quilting. What I may do is just buy one of the new machines I've seen at Wal-Mart for $80. At one time there was a sewing machine place here that sold, new and used machines and even had a lay-away program. Sure wish I remembered the name of it so I could see if it's still in existance. That way I could try and put a good used machine in lay-away and get it out in about 6 months or so.
Thanks so much for posting that link. I'm about to go check out her website to find out what else she has that I like.

The problem with a used machine is you may be buying someone elses problems. I found a smaller size Kenmore, brand new, at Kmart for about $70. And Kmart started up their layaway again. My initial thinking is that Kenmore is still a trusted brand, hopefully anyway. I want to hand quilt too. I remember my greatgrandmother and great aunts quilting on a frame that was suspended from the ceiling that was pulled up to the ceiling when not in use.

Judy

[Suzy]

If you do decide to go ahead and do a little quilting, a good way to start is a "whole cloth" baby quilt....you can get a yard of material with a pattern of squares (there's several good "baby" or cartoon type designs that already has squares of about two inches printed on them. Pick a solid color that matches some of the squares for the backing.l

Lay the backing out (one yard long also), put the batting on that, then lay the top on that. Then pin it all together. Then just start quilting the lines. I quilt from the bottom up on something like that, one line across at a time but I noticed someone else on here starts from the center....so I may try that next...

Anyway, this makes a really simple to do quilt that is fine and durable. When you have it quilted both directions, you can either fold enough of the backing over to make the binding or use strips of cloth that you sew together and then turn under the rough edges and then sew it carefully to the front and back (On something like this I usually just bring enough of the backing over to make the binding and it looks really neat.

I have a Singer Confidence Sewing Machine and I use the blanket stitch to go around the edges a lot of times because it makes a child's or baby's quilt extra durable. These little quilts can be dragged around for years, lain on in front of the TV, etc. and they're just the right size to cuddle up with if you really don't need a big cover but want a "secuirty" blanket...:)

[sonshine]

Suzy, that sounds like a good place to start and I have a 9 month and an 18 month old grandchildren, this would work well for them.

Judy

[SheWoff]

I hand quilt all of my stuff also. I have been doing it that way for years and just can't seem to want to change over to maching quilting. :fie: I have to small quilt stands that I use, one is made of wood and the other one is my favorite one, it's made of pvc pipe. Here's a link if you want to see what it looks like. http://www.hancocks-paducah.com/Item--i-SF-LF-Q-SNAP-FRAME I got mine about 15 years ago when they first came out. I wouldn't know what to do without it now lol. I like that you can set the legs so that the quilt will bend forwards toward you on an angle. Makes quilting and watching tv so much easier!

She

[delrio]

I have bought some of the cheaper machines from Walmart. One lasted a year and one lasted eight months. They are not meant to do a lot of sewing on. Sometimes the older machines are not a good deal either. A few years back I recieved my mil's old workhorse. When I took it in the guy told me it was just worn out. She had done ALOT of sewing on it.

I also baste everything together and just quilt in my lap, usually from the middle out to keep it from puckering. It's so relaxing!

[SheWoff]

Yep, it is relaxing! That's part of the reason I still quilt by hand. That and it seems to be becoming a lost art. One that I would love to pass down to my children and grandchildren. But then it's still pretty common with our family being about half Mennonites lol.

She

[organicfarmer]

I have a hoop frame that sits on my lap and swivels. I really like it as I find it difficult to quilt in different directions with a stationary frame (I have a small one and use it for basting quilts). Another option is one that is on a stand in front of you like: http://graceframe.com/gfxoops/modules/sample_module_9/

Just my two cents.

Silvia

[CastIronCook2]

My favorite heirloom, from a treasured aunt, is a floral-design quilt that in about 1938 she first appliqued and then quilted entirely by hand. There is not a machine stitch in the whole quilt. It was not pieced together. Rather, she appliqued the floral motifs onto a single sheet of cloth, then with very fine stitches, by hand and using no frame or hoop of any sort, she made the running stitches, 7 to the inch, that crisscross the whole piece at two-inch intervals.

It now hangs proudly on the wall of our master bedroom, being too precious to risk on the bed.

[pcrowder]

I hand quilt and tie quilts, but I also do machine "grid" quilting (no fancy stuff for me!) on quilts that will get alot of washing - they seem to stand up better to alot of washing if they're machine quilted.

I had a huge Edmunds (?) frame that would hold up to a king sized quilt, but even with my huge liv/dining room combination, it still took up most of the available space. It was also made of pine, and ended up splitting, and after we repaired it numerous times with mending plates, I gave up and stuck it in the attic. I ended up buying one of these (http://www.quiltcrafts.com/ ) and love it. I also have both a full size and a lap sized Q-snap frame, but unfortunately, my cats liked to sleep on the quilts on the Q-snap, and the quilt would eventually sag down and then pop the holding bars off the top. I like the quiltcrafts one, because you can fold it up like a card table, and stash it behind stuff like the couch, and you DON'T have to take the quilt out of it, like you have to do with so many other frames (like the Qsnap).

And, if you really don't have room for a frame, there is a book out there called something like "quilting without a frame"...you could check EBay for it maybe. It shows how to baste the quilt well and shows tricks on how to quilt on your lap without a hoop or frame.

Hope this helps!

[jdilmore]

I started out machine quilting and then one day I hand quilted with a bunch of ladies at our senior center. I love it. It is so relaxing and when some one gets one from you they cherish the quilt. I was very lucky and some one donated a quilt frame that is very old, but home made. It is only large enough for twin size or double, but that is what I make most of the time. It takes up a very small amount of space because it slants upward. It has three rolls. I am going to quilt one twin size a month for my grandkids to give to them next Christmas. Tying is good too for kids who are rough on things and you know it will not last long any way. They still love them. On those I use fleece. You can get big pieces of it for small prices. I would suggest that a beginner start with a nine patch. then you can go from there. :meeting:

[MYellowRose]

Thanks for all the advice ladies. My problem now is that my hands shake much of the time so I think quilting will be out for me. Sometimes I shake so hard I can't hold a fork much less a needle. I'll probably stick to crocheting as my shaking doesn't seem to affect it as much.

[cwatson]

I made a child's quilt each year for the grand kids until they got into twin bed and then they get their first "Big" quilt. My grand daughter will not turn loose of her first quilt. She takes it every where with her and has for 3 years. I made it with scraps left over from some outfits that I made for her one summer and she calls it her chicken quilt. It was actually called "Piggies in a 9-patch". My grandson's first quilt was made from items that belonged to his dad. The backing was a curtain from my son's childhood. blocks were jeans and shirts from son. Quilts create fond memories for children.

My quilts are not fancy. I machine piece and hand quilt on a cheap pine quilting rack that stands in our otherwise not used formal living room.

[rae-dean]

i am making a hand sewn puff quilt.i make little pillow and stuff them and sew up all the edges and connect to the next puff.it is taking a long time.
i have made several of these.they are a fun quilt to have children help u with.i use to sit and sew the edges and my daughter and her little friends would help me stuff them.They would even sew up the final edge.it was very fun with them helping.

[rae-dean]

I made a child's quilt each year for the grand kids until they got into twin bed and then they get their first "Big" quilt. My grand daughter will not turn loose of her first quilt. She takes it every where with her and has for 3 years. I made it with scraps left over from some outfits that I made for her one summer and she calls it her chicken quilt. It was actually called "Piggies in a 9-patch". My grandson's first quilt was made from items that belonged to his dad. The backing was a curtain from my son's childhood. blocks were jeans and shirts from son. Quilts create fond memories for children.

My quilts are not fancy. I machine piece and hand quilt on a cheap pine quilting rack that stands in our otherwise not used formal living room.

this is so pretty.u do really good.

[BWHLover]

* Suzy can you elaborate on your crib/lap quilts? *That's the size I'd like to start with since I think it would be better to start on something small. *
* Do you have any particular pattern you use or do you just do what you're in the mood to do?
* I want to do one each for the girls and hope to get them done in just over a year for Christmas '09. *I know one will have lots of yellow in it and the other two will probably be one pink and one purple. *
* Can you suggest a pattern or patterns for them? *The one for the 4 yr. old will be the yellow one, the pink one will be for the 2 yr. old, and the purple for the 6 yr. old. *I don't want kiddie patterns as I want these to be something they can keep for many years. *I'm serious considering just doing a 9 patch since it is probably the easiest for a newby. *Also I may tie the quilt together rather than actually quilting it, any thoughts there? *
* Should I opt for a twin size rather than the smallest size since I want it to last for many years?

MYellowRose,

I do not do much quilting any more due to loss of my eye site, however may i make a suggestion to you.

I used a patterned back material batting and a white top material, then took a pair of pants or overalls and shirt from the kids that they outgrew. I would cut the clothes down at the seams, and using a X or blanket stitch sew around the clothes. Not need for any extra quilting.

I made these for all of my grandchildren. I could complete one without a frame in about 2 hours.

I set of clothes will make 2 quilts, one quilt using the front of the clothes and one quilt using the back of the clothes.

You could purchase used clothes at the thrift store.

You could make 10 or 20 and sell them at a crafts fair.

[MYellowRose]

Oh my goodness! I had completely forgotten about this thread. Glad I decided to look for and read some of the old posts here. Haven't the slightest idea what happened to the magazine I mentioned in my original post but I'd still love to do some lap/ hand quilting. Those granddaughters I mentioned are now 6,7,&9, the older two have birthday's in January & March, and have been joined by a now 1 year old sister. LOL! Don't think anyone likes yellow all that much anymore. Thanks for all the replies and help you folks have given about this.

[MYellowRose]

I'm not sure if I understand what you mean by using the clothes for a quilt, do you cut the clothing into squares first, then use it? If so that looks like something I could easily do. Don't know about buying clothes at a thrift store but I should be able to find enough stuff that the girls have outgrown and DD isn't saving for the 1 yr. old to cut into pieces and use for quilting.