I'm about to start hand quilting classes. Any special tips you'd like to give?
2006-08-31 08:51:56 · 12 answers · asked by Queen Nefertiti 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Other - Arts & Humanities
I'm not sure if you're talking about piecing by hand, quilting the completed top, or both, so here are suggestions for both.
1. Experiment with different hand positions - find what is most comfortable for you. Some people like to put the thimble on the pointer finger, others on the middle finger. Some like a stretched quilt, others prefer it to be looser.
2. Make sure you have good light - a natural light lamp (like the OTT-LITE) is worth the extra cost.
3. Take your piecing with you - the advantage of hand quilting is that it is portable. You can stitch whenever you have a few minutes to spare.
4. Check out books by Jinny Beyer - she's a fantastic hand quilter.
5. When choosing fabrics, don't be afraid to try things that you wouldn't normally. Even the most awful fabric looks pretty good cut into little pieces. Also, when buying fabric, try to restrain yourself from buying too many multicolor prints and medium value fabrics. It's hard, because those are the ones most people are attracted to, but lights, darks, and tone-on-tone fabrics are more useful.
6. Enjoy yourself. Start with a small project, so you don't get discouraged, and then just have fun.
2006-09-01 12:05:27 · answer #1 · answered by swbiblio 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yup, you're fingertips are about to become very sore. But the results are lovely. Buy plenty of quilting needles - they're small, and get lost easily. Consider a pair of magnification glasses, as the one answerer wasn't kidding about eye fatigue.
Take breaks, keep your hands especially clean - the oils will transfer to the fabric. Don't quilt longer than oh, an 18 - 20 inch long piece of quilting thread (and do use quilting thread) at a time, it'll only get knotted, or 'wear' excessively any longer than that.
Get good at hiding your starting and ending knots, but they'll show you that in class.
I did my first hand quilting on an applique piece I did (hawaiian style)...my mother threatened to disown me if I gave the piece away to anyone other than family.
Have fun...it'll be a bit frustrating at first, but you'll learn tips and tricks of your own to make it go faster. (I use quilting/fabric marking pencils to sketch out what I want to quilt)
2006-08-31 16:02:31 · answer #2 · answered by colourshift 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just make sure you have a good thimble and be prepared to have very sore fingers!!!! I used to help my Mom quilt and man they do get sore!! Have fun and make alot of pretty quilts for your family. BTW a double wedding ring quilt is beautiful.
2006-08-31 15:54:50 · answer #3 · answered by shirley e 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
cool! get a book before you start, that'll help! and don't listen to anyone who says quilting is dorky. its so cool! go to quilt fairs and fabric stores as much as possible, as to expand your horizons, and be on the lookout for cool fabrics and new materials to work with. You need a sewing kit before starting anything! Remember: Quilting is fun!
2006-08-31 16:37:37 · answer #4 · answered by missitaliana94 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
TAKE A THIMBALL!!! Man your fingers will start to hurt after a while. I am making a quilt for my mom, first one ever and it is killing my fingers!
2006-08-31 15:57:16 · answer #5 · answered by Baby Girl 1214 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
start with an easy project, squares and lines for the material, and either diagonal or fan design for the actual quilting.
2006-08-31 15:57:02 · answer #6 · answered by judy_r8 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ENJOY but beware: it's very addictive.
Have lots of room for your stash and be sure to get a quilter's journal. Record when you start and finish each project, what pattern/fabrics you used and whether you kept it or who you gave it to. Include a photo so you (and your children/grandchildren) can have a good record of what you've done.
A really great site for free patterns is quilterscache.com where you can choose a pattern by name, picture or size. About.com is also a fun site for free projects from beginning to advanced.
2006-08-31 16:04:23 · answer #7 · answered by dragonwing 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The one I like the best and has really helped me is when you thread your needle, most people wet the thread& flatten it with your fingers, but if you place the eye of the needle in your mouth, get a little saliva on it the thread will glide right thru everytime. Bless you & good luck.
2006-08-31 16:14:01 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do Long & Short Distance Eye Exersises or your stuff your long Vision.
2006-08-31 15:53:31 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My dad told me quilting was for quilters.
2006-08-31 15:53:51 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋