what are the basic things you need to begin to hand quilt?

Answer 1

If you've never quilted before, the most important thing is instruction. You can take a class (check with your local quilt shop or a community college), find someone to mentor you (through the senior center or the area quilt guild), or through books or online. If you're going to go with books, check out ones by Jinny Beyer (she does incredible quilts, all by hand) and Alex Anderson.

As for supplies:
100% cotton fabric - a variety of values (light-medium-dark) is more important than color variety
100% cotton thread - finer thread for piecing, heavier "hand quilting" thread for quilting the layers together
Needles - "betweens" are very short - some only an inch long - and fine with a small eye. Experiment with needles, though. Use what works for you. There are some much longer needles out there that may be easier to handle.
Thimble - a good thimble will save your fingers. There are all sorts, from metal to ceramic to plastic to leather. Some are traditional cup shaped thimbles, some sheath the entire finger. They should have dimples that hold the needle - you put the thimble against the end of the needle as you take the stitches, then push it through. They can be cheap (a couple of dollars) or ridiculously expensive ($100 and up). The best thimble for you depends on your quilting style. Will you push the needle with the tip of your finger or the side? Will you use your middle finger, your pointer, or even your thumb? Experiment with different styles until you find one that works for you, then get the best one you can afford.
Batting - for layering between the top you've pieced and the backing. There are many different kinds of batting, from cotton and polyester to wool and even silk. They all have different qualities and requirements. You want something that is easy to put your needle through. You probably also want something that doesn't have to be quilted really close, at least to start. Some battings need to be quilted every 2-3", others can be 10" apart.
Pins - straight pins are essential, and the longer and finer, the better. The thinner the pin, the less distortion it creates in the fabric. Look for glass head pins - they don't melt under the iron. Speaking of which ...
Iron - Doesn't have to be anything fancy, just something that gets hot, stays hot, and doesn't shut off too quickly. You also might look into a wooden "iron" - a little piece of wood with an angled edge that you run along the seam to crease it open.
Safety pins, basting spray, basting gun - basically something to hold the layers together while you're quilting them.
Scissors - three kinds - a small nipper to cut thread, a large fabric scissors for the fabric, and a large pair for cutting out anything other than fabric (paper, templates, etc.). Check out the spring handle ones - they're much easier on your hands than the traditional style. You press to close them, and the spring opens them for you. Fiskars has several.
Template plastic - you can buy templates for various shapes, but it's much easier to make your own. Draw your template, cut it out, trace on the fabric, and cut the fabric about 1/4" from the marked lines. Hand piecing can be done with rotary cutters and rulers, but generally the old style templates and marking pens work best. By marking the SEWING line then cutting about 1/4" outside it, you don't have to cut the shape perfectly. Even better, you know exactly where to sew, so your piecing is more accurate.
Marking tool - You will be marking your seam line, so you could just use a regular pencil if you prefer. Make sure it's sharp. If you're using dark fabrics, light color marking pens/pencils/chalk are necessary.
Ruler - It's hard to draw a template if you don't have an accurate ruler. And I mean REALLY accurate. A wooden one from the office supply store won't cut it. Get a quilting ruler with 1/8" marks.

The extras:
Needle threader - Put the needle in, drape the thread over it, push a button, and pouf! your needle is threaded. Not necessary, but definitely worth the $15.
Thread conditioner - a waxy sort of thing in a small block that smooths out your thread and makes it less likely to twist and tangle.
Super glue or New Skin - dot this on your under side finger when quilting - the one that "catches" the needle as it comes through the layers. You're basically pricking that finger every time you put the needle through, so a thin protective layer over that spot will save you a lot of pain - at least until a callus forms.
A frame of some sort - there are many different theories about hand quilting. Some use a large embroidery hoop, others prefer a lap frame, and still others a floor stand. Some say the fabric should be fairly taut, others want it to be floppy. Some don't even use a frame at all. Do a little research on this - try different techniques and and go with what works for you.

Answer 2

To hand piece, you need

scizzors, needle, thimble, regular thread, fabric, pattern, and cutting board with rotary cutter if possible. The secret in piecing well is the accuracy of your cuts. An iron is essential for securing the seam and blocking each section as you sew. Patterns can be used or create your own, allowing for seam allowances.

After piecing you will need

a frame system (lap frame of complete frame), batting for inside, and your back side fabric. You can use quilting thread here for quality, and sometime people prefer a different needle, and then thimble and scizzors. You can then quilt around the pattern or use a decorative pattern drawn with a fabric pencil or chalk.

Patterns are subject to your desire and ability. Square systems are the easiest and then you can graduate to triangles and curves. Needles are preference, and thread should never be old (especially cottons) as they can be rotted if taken from an old spool.

There are a ton of sites with tidbits of info and a variety of methods. Find what works best for you. The key is the end result and to enjoy doing it. It is life long, even though this can be learned quickly, as so many people have different styles to learn about and share. I would encourage you to find a quilting club in your area. You can contact your local newspaper or an area quilt shop for those nearest you. Groups love to share and teach and encourage newcomers.

Answer 3

Either a large hoop, or a quilting frame. I use a large wooden embroidery type hoop for my smaller projects like a baby quilt. Some good needles (I use "betweens"). Cotton hand quilting thread- it will say handquilting on the thread label. And most importantly... practice... you can visit the site below for more details.
http://www.how-to-quilt.com/articles/5002-handquilt2.shtml

Answer 4

Aside from the usual basic pattern, fabric thread etc; have you thought of going to a senior center? My mom belongs to a senior center where they have a weekly quilting program. I'm sure the women there would absolutly love to share their experience with you.

Answer 5

In the event that you are searching for woodworking plans you can discover a huge number of woodworking plans on this website ( woodworkingplans.kyma.info ) It's the perfect result in the event that you are simply starting with woodworking and also in case that you have already experience with it. You can discover a ton of woodworking arrangements and you will have the capacity to deal with the projects with a CAD/DWG software. It permits you to alter the projects and to alter the arragements.if you are a beginner this is a great approach to start. It's the best approach to woodworking; and on the off chance that you already have experience you will discover a considerable measure of plans and inspirations to improve your capabilities with woodwork.

Answer 6

Needle, thread, a pattern & fabric

Answer 7

So..
If you are looking for woodworking plans,
you can find everything you need here http://www.goobypls.com/r/rd.asp?gid=294
Best