Someone asked how do I hand quilt a large quilt without a hoop? The following photos show how it is done (there is probably a better way, but this works for me).In Fig.1, with my left hand (I am right handed) make a ridge about a couple of inches high as shown below on the left hand side of the photo.
Fig.2 - fold the ridge towards the needle. My thumb is under the quilt where the arrow is indicating. My thimble is underneath the quilt where the needle is showing and my hand is fanned out supporting a portion of the quilt sandwich (you can't see my hand but please imagine it). My quilting is coming towards me. Sometimes, I can rock the needle and other times, only one stitch at a time can be done.
Fig. 3 - Here is another photo showing the needle after it was rocked a few times. As I progress towards me, my left hand moves down the fold until the whole quilt needs to be moved up a bit. I sit with my knees up and they help to support the quilt. The left hand part of the quilt is unquilted and the right hand side has been quilted and that helps to stablize the quilt and helps to eliminate puckers on the back. Does anyone out there have a better method?
Of course, a new project got started ..... It Just Takes 2 is the quilt-along that I'm following and here are a few of my blocks. The embroidery is different to what is being offered from the creators of this project. If you are interested in doing this project, you must sign up for the newsletter for downloading the blocks. Usually, I never do any mystery quilts, but this one captivated me from the start.
I have promised myself to start only 4 new projects this year and this is #1. Once four of my UFO's get finished, then another new project will be allowed. Is this reality? We'll see! :o)
Have a great day!
I have tried quilting with a floor frame that did not tilt and it did not work for me. I had tried the frame because holding a quilt in a hoop hurt my shoulder too much. I have since started quilting without the hoop or frame and it is working much better for me. Thank you for all of your tips - you really are such an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI love your It takes 2 blocks. I want to do this one too, but I can't decide on the two colors. I also have a control problem and don't know if I can do a mystery so I may just download all the blocks and start it once the mystery is over. I know baby steps. Love the embroidery you added to your blocks, very pleasing!
ReplyDeleteYour Takes 2 blocks are such a pretty sky blue! I haven't done much hand quilting because I found a hoop very cumbersome to use, perhaps I should give this a go.
ReplyDeleteI also hand quilt this way--I had tried every hoop and frame until I just gave up ==I am a hand holder I guess and like you I try to hand quilt some every day!!!
ReplyDeleteLove those blue and white blocks--
last year I only did 4 bom's and would you believe that I only got one done--the year before I did about 12 and they are all nearly waiting to be finished--so this year--
well--am still waiting to see just how much trouble I get myself into!!!
have a great stitchy day-
Hugs, Di
Your quilting looks lovely, thank goodness there's lots of different ways to achive the same result. I like your idea of four new projects, it's good to have a plan.
ReplyDeleteI'm doing the Just 2 in blues too...like your version!
ReplyDeleteAs usual, love what you are doing. Are you finding it easier to hand quilt without a hoop? The results look great to me, are you as happy with your stitches?
ReplyDeleteGreat start with the JustTake2 blocks! I'm thinking of using blue and white for mine.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great way to work on a quilt, just by dedicating a certain amount of time each day. I love your blue blocks!
ReplyDeleteIs your batting and backing basted to the top? What kind of batting do you use? I used to quilt without a frame for smaller wall hangings but I did baste them well first. I like the frame too much now and so I don't baste. It's one less step but it does get stretched on the frame and that takes less time. I have a variety of board lengths.
ReplyDelete