Get out your thimble and join host Alex Anderson as she demonstrates the tools and techniques of hand quilting. Expert quilter Billie Lauder joins in to demonstrate the "Big Stitch."
Thimble
The key to proper hand quilting is the proper thimble (figure A). When choosing a thimble, select a thimble with big indentations. These indentations are there for the eye of the needle to rest in, so the thimble can push the needle through the fabric. This type of plastic thimble is a good choice for the quilter with long fingernails (figure B).
Needle
Quilters use a needle known as "betweens." These are not sharps, darner or embroidery needles. Between needles are short, small and very sharp. Beginner quilters should start with a size 7 or 8 but with improvement, use a smaller size needle. The smaller the needle, the higher the needle size number. The smallest size "between" needle is a 12. Alex prefers size 10 because she feels the size 12 needle bends too much. There are a number of needle brands, keep trying them out until you find one that appeals to you.
Thread
When hand quilting, use a hand-quilting thread (figure C). Regular sewing thread tends to break. The downside to hand-quilting thread is that is comes in limited color choice. Metallic thread could be an alternative. Alex prefers Sulky brand but warns to be careful when using a nylon as it tends to unravel if the thread is broken.
Three ways to hand quilt:
- Just hands. Put the thimble on your finger, scrunch up the quilt top and basically start quilting. The size of the quilt may cause problems when quilting this way. There's a 95 percent chance of quilting up a bubble on the backside of the quilt.
- Hoop quilting: There are a number of hoops on the market (figure D). The idea is to lock a portion of the quilt in a hoop to keep it taut--quilt that part, then move the hoop to the next part. The hoop does not necessarily need to be on a stand, but it should be a quilting hoop. An embroidery hoop will not work.
- Quilt frame quilting: When purchasing a quilt frame, make sure to see the frame in person or take the recommendation from a friend. Never purchase a quilt frame that you have not seen demonstrated in person. What you see in pictures may not be what you get. Three things you want from your quilt-frame:
a) Easy to set up by one person.
b) Excellent tension control. In other words, you can make the quilt top as loose or as tight as you want it. It's best to select a frame that uses a "rolling system" for the tension. A frame using a ratchet system will be limiting to the increments of the teeth.
c) Stability. Stability is created by the third rod that would be on the bottom of the frame, in the back of the frame or in the middle of the frame (figure E).
Once these three things are considered, then it's like buying a car. Consider the brand of frame, your budget and the warranty.
Fingers ready
Most people put the thimble on the middle finger, which is fine. If this feels awkward or if it's not comfortable, try the thimble on the forefinger. The thimble finger, the thumb and the hand underneath the quilt all need to work together to achieve the rocking stitch motion.
Threading needles
Always knot the thread while the thread is still on the spool. Thread comes with a wrap and if the needle is threaded backward, the thread will knot and become tangled. Thread the needle and pull approximately 18 inches of the thread from the spool. To fashion a quilter's knot, make a loop with the thread, bring the needle through the loop and pull the thread to create the knot. Cut the thread from the spool.
Quilting stitch
Begin on the quilt top to bury the knot. Place the needle approximately 1/4 inch from the desired quilting place and push the needle only through the quilt top. Pull the thread until the knot pops down into the quilt top.
Place the needle between the thumb and forefinger and put the needle straight down into the quilt top (figure F). Place the other hand under the quilt and using the forefinger or middle finger, push up on the quilt where the needle is placed on top. Push the needle straight down until the finger under the quilt feels the tip of the needle. Pivot on the underneath needle and push the needle forward. As soon as the point of the needle is seen, rock the needle back up, pushing the needle back through the quilt. This is called the rocking stitch. Continue this process to load the needle with three to five stitches. Push the needle forward with the thimble and pull the needle and thread through the quilt top to complete the stitches. At first, the stitches will be large. Don't worry about this, just be consistent with the stitch size and with practice the stitches will become smaller.
Here's something to work towards. By placing a thimble on the thumb and using the rocking stitch, a quilter can stitch in the opposite direction (figure G). It's a lot of fun, give it a try.
The Big Stitch
Created by Joe Walters, the Big Stitch is a combination of Sashiko quilting and regular quilting (figure H). This stitch is not as precise and allows everyone to be a quilter. With the use of pearl cotton thread, this style of quilting adds another dimension to the quilt and quilt design.
A size 5 or 6 between needle will be needed in order to thread the pearl cotton thread. Its best to purchase a packet of betweens with a combination of sizes. Remember, a size 5 needle only means that the eye of the needle will be large.
Quilt marking
A classic quilting design is the teacup design, because the design was made with a teacup. Using any circle size, cut out a template. Fold the circle in half and then in half again and snip a little notch in the template (figure I). Place the template on the quilt top and mark around the template. Next, overlap the template, matching the notches and mark (figure J). This is a very easy quilting design to create.
The actual quilting method is the same as regular quilting. Here's one tip. Due to the thickness of the pearl cotton thread, pulling the knot through the quilt top may be difficult. Pushing the needle through the quilt on one side of the knot and then on the other side of the knot (figure K) will break the tension of the fabric thread, allowing the knot to be pulled through. The Big Stitch is a much larger stitch on top of the quilt than on the bottom (figure L).
Tips and inspiration
Look at antique quilts for quilting design inspiration. Remember, quilting takes a long time and is hard work. Make sure the work is appreciated by quilting in areas where the stitches will show. Highly printed fabrics tend to hide quilt stitches.
Resources Quilts for Fabric Lovers
by Alex Anderson (ISBN: 0914881876)
This title is out of print. Consult local libraries, used book stores or click
here for Amazon.com's book search.
Pattern Play
by Doreen Speckmann (ISBN: 0914881701)
This title is out of print. Consult local libraries, used book stores or click
here for Amazon.com's book search.
Sladky quilt frames
Mr. Sladky produces a limited number of quilt frames each year and does not ship after May.
Sladky Quilt Frames
2391 Fifth St.
Livermore, CA 94550
USA
Guests Billie Lauder
International Quilt Instructor
Website:
www.easymade.com
Also in this Episode
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