Hand Quilting

Every now and then someone will ask about hand quilting and can I show close ups, what kind of tools do I use etc.. So here are some close ups and some links to tools.

I am using 12 weight Aurifil variegated thread on this quilt.  I will share this post with Kathleen McMusing for Tips and Tutorials

my needles are short – I load about 3 running stitches on the needle before I pull it through – I use a rubber disc (cut in half) to help pull them through – I have used these for years and love them.  There are a lot of other aides out there for this.  I will link to Texas Quilt Gal for To Do Tuesday and continue on with my hand quilting and other quilting projects.

I use Roxanne #10 betweens needles – I use a double sided Clover needle threader – so that when one end of the wire breaks off I can use the other side  –

This shows the size of the needles – Roxanne needles come in a tube of 50 needles.  I get about 6-7 stitches per inch if one wants to get picky – I do not normally measure but did as someone will ask LOL – I really don’t pay any attention to it anymore and rarely ever measure – it is just by routine/habit that after awhile you do it the same – really really good hand quilters that win some of those big prizes do about 10-12 stitches per inch – I wouldn’t want to even try that.  The link to the needles goes to the Clover site – I order from them sometimes, sometimes from Amazon or wherever I can find the size I use.  I also get their sharps and applique needles.

I don’t use regular thimbles – I can’t wear them – they always irritate the skin around the edges of the thimble – I have used various thimbles over the years but these I have used for years now  – They both are adhesive and stick to your fingertips – do not use any lotion before hand or they will not stick – if you do have lotion on your hands use an alcohol swab and clean them off  – I have never been able to use anything on the underneath the quilt finger that feels the needle come through – I have to be able to feel it- some people don’t and wear something on the finger.

The leather thimble – the link goes to Connecting Threads where I order them from – they can stick to your finger numerous days – I take it off at the end of a quilting session and stick it to the top of the thread spool  – the metal thimble – I have a spare always in case I loose one – I don’t have a photo of the package  – the white circles have a adhesive on one side – you peel off the white and stick it to the underside of the metal.  Wear them on any finger.  The metal adhesive last longer than the leather one does – sometimes it is weeks before I replace the sticky piece.  And here is a link that goes to a variety package that has both the leather and the metal.  (and a few other pieces).  They have another metal one that I use sometimes but I don’t have right now called the ultra thimble it is shaped a little different.  I normally have about 4 packages of the leather thimbles and white adhesives in a box waiting to be used.  I get them about 2 times a year when they are on sales – to me they are not that expensive and they do last me a long time as long as the fingertips are lotion free – I have actually worn them around the house forgetting that I have them on and realize it after awhile!  You can find some of these on Amazon but they are more expensive and I think Fat Quarter shop sells them too – I have seen them at some fabric shops when I have stopped out of town at places.

So there is the info and I hope if you needed it that it will be helpful to you – one day I know I will no longer be able to hand quilt and my fingers/joints will not longer be capable of it but until that day I will still do it.  Thank you to all that ordered through my links yesterday I do appreciate it.  Sales now that it is nearing Thanksgiving will be changing daily or adding more to their sales – I don’t keep up with all of them but if I get a notice I will pass it on.

EDITED: I wear two thimbles because of my floor standing quilting frame I can quilt towards me or away from me or side to side – I can not turn my frame as you do a hoop so I use two stick on thimbles instead.

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The Quilt Keeper – get an additional 10% off using code KARENBLOG (anytime)  there is a $10 rebate on all orders for the 3 packs available on the site now.

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ACCUQUILT

Black Friday sales have been announced – there are so many sales going on there are too many to list – besides the items here if you go to their sales tab more are listed.  Besides the sales listed below there is about 15% – 25% off on a lot of products – the best way to see is just go into the site and browse if you are interested in purchasing something – these other sales go on for the rest of the month and some into December.

Free GO! Qube pattern book with purchase of a Mix & Match Qube Set or Qube Companion Set (no code needed) – all month

Free GO! Quilting Ruler (1×6 inch) — just pay $2.50 shipping! (use code: FREERULER) – all month

Free Washington’s Puzzle GO! Die with purchase of GO! Qube 4-inch Die Bundle (no code needed) for one month! 11/15 to 12/15

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Connecting Threads – basics and blenders 40% off rest of the month – don’t forget they have daily deals also.

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Fat Quarter Shop – 20% off of Mammoth Flannels – basic of the month

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Green Fairy – sale on pre-cuts up to 60-70% off on clearance pre-cuts – I saw jelly rolls marked down to $21.  Also they have charms, fat quarter bundles and others.