However, if you continue reading, you'll find all of the links I reference in the video. Thank you so much for responding! You can see examples in my Maypole pillow and pink Fly away quilt. thanks, Missy. I feel quite lighthearted again – thank you so much Suzy! Thanks so much for the great tutorial! You are an inspiration! Very informative. Now that you have all of your supplies (and there aren't many), it's time to learn the 3 basic steps to hand quilting: Knot, pop and rock it. I have a multicolored quilt made up of 2″ squares on an angle backed with off white muslin…..if I hand quilt it with thread to match the squares won’t the back look kinda janky? This is going to sound crazy, but I hand quilted a quilt once and strained a muscle in my neck from looking down too much. If at any point your fingers are tired or if you’re having trouble pulling the needle through the fabric, try a new needle to see if that’s the issue. Thank you for the very thorough tutorial on hand quilting. I think I understand .. Once, I encountered a group of older women around a quilting frame. Make sense? I’m excited. My next project is a landscape quilt for my sister that I know will have to be handquilted–your tutorial was so comprehensive and took my anxiety right down to zero! Hi, To know what I'm talking about, check out the video above. Sew on the quilt binding. That was such an awesome video girl! The only time I thought, “sheesh this is a tight weave!” was when hand quilting with poplin. I loved the tutorial, thank you! We’re always open to your suggestions, so please get in touch if there are any tutorials you would like to see, or machines covered. The best way to hand quilt a running stitch is to rock your needle in and out, up and down, using your thimble-covered finger. 2. This is so great! I have only really used straight lines or outlining the pattern in the fabric within a block. But big needle/big stitch/big thread quilting is a little easier on the digits and I find a way to add some to my projects. When we have that problem, we’re advised to put the embroidery thread in the freezer for 24hrs to prevent breakages. Hi Suzy. I don’t plan to machine quilt at all and in your video you added the crease lines after you machine quilted in the ditch. I learn a lot with your video, thank you so much! Great info ! Now that I have seen your excellent video my heart is full of hope again. If you tried before hand sewing , you know that it has many benefits as it relaxes you, helping you feel so proud at the end of your projects. Hi, I stumbled upon your tutorial on hand quilting. It’s a woven fabric made by Free Spirit Fabrics. Ps. I used embroidery floss and hope this doesn’t become a problem in the future with the 3 strands I used. This quilt is baby sized but makes a nice lap quilt in this same … 1. Quilting: sewing through multiple layers of fabric to create one thick layer - typically involves three parts: cloth top, batting middle, cloth bottom. I’m going to start hand quilting for the first time and am wondering when to add the crease lines. I’ve got several quilt tops done and ready to be quilted so I think I’ll start on one of those. Use a running stitch and try to make them as small as possible. Thanks so much for sharing!!!!!! I still doubt they will want to stitch in the ditch, but certain longarm quilters could do something similar. I laughed and learned. I have it on a quilting frame so will loosen the tension on it to get the rocking motion. Because of this, I recommend trying a few different kinds of each notion and then deciding for yourself what is the most comfortable. Oh this is incredible! Goodness knows ‘comparison is the thief of joy! I’m looking to do some hand quilting (already have some machine quilting) on a baby quilt on a road trip later this month. Do you have any advice on how often you should change your needle? I learned a lot and have been quilting for a long time. Will they hold up in a washer? I LOVED your tip on machine basting it down. I’m assuming the sashing is a solid color so you will be able to see the stitching? I’m signing up for your newsletter because I can see that your quilts are my style–kind of modern in color and pattern. I do have a question though, I have an old quilt dated back in the family but with years it has started to come apart & obviously the batting is almost none existent. The sashing is done in stripes with a tiny bit of white. There are some beautiful designs out there! Not crazy, just very ambitious. Their sharpness makes up for the hulking size ( my opinion) and they are my new go to … I love that you kick open the door for everyone to find their own way … art should be like that and often we try to stuff it and ourselves into a box that doesn’t fit! PS: thank you for the free quilt pattern for signing up for your newsletter. A basic square quilt is the easiest pattern, as it can be effortlessly laid out in a grid, allowing you to see roughly how your quilt will look when finished. Her favorite machine to use at the moment is the Singer Quantum Stylist 9960. , Pingback: The 5 Types & Sizes of Hand Quilting Needles - Suzy Quilts. I know practice practice…. Thanks for sharing all your knowledge on hand quilting. Thank you for a wonderful tutorial!! These are all free and easy to get started with. A (quilting) spoon and pliers — two hand-quilting essentials for Jinny. , Pingback: Free Grow Pillow Pattern - Suzy Quilts. I’d imagine stitching a curve would mean you make fewer stitches before pulling the thread through? This tutorial will demonstrate how simple hand quilting can be. On to the hand quilting video tutorial! One thing I like to do too is lean back in a chair, bed or couch, bend my legs at an angle and stretch the quilt over my legs. Seam allowance: the standard seam allowance for quilting … great tutorial! I really love the handstitching aspect of quilting because it is so portable. I was wondering if you have tips for taking care of your hands and wrists while you’re stitching all these lines! In addition to wearing a thimble (or two) that fits well, I suggest doing different wrist stretches as needed. It doesn’t have to be dense quilting, just enough to add impact. I treat every quilt differently, so if a subtle look is what I’m going for, I’ll probably stick with a single light neutral thread color. I have a pretty wide throat on my sewing machine (BERNINA 770 QE) so it’s doable. As much as I love picking fabric, piecing on my machine and even (can it be?) Here’s a video showing more details on hand quilting for beginners. What do you do if the thread breaks before the the knot goes through the fabric when you are tying it off? However, if that does happen, try again and be a bit more gentle. She runs a small teaching business in her native Kansas and is passionate about helping her students learn a variety of crafting skills. This will keep tension off of your other fingers and, with enough practice, will give you the most even stitches. The photo is a bit blurry, but that's how I was taking most of my photos in 2014. It’s double gauze called Birds and Blooms in sage by Nani Iro. thread. I have never quilted, but I am encouraged to give it a try. Your video is so helpful! . Push the needle down through all three layers of the quilt fabric and then up again about 1/4" (6.35mm) away from the initial down stitch. I bet there are YouTube videos on this if you are a visual learner. Finally, join the layers of your quilt together. I really enjoyed your hand quilting tutorial….since I’m new to your postings, I’m wondering if you have instructions on marking for Baptist fan quilting….I would love to use this design for a hand quilted project. Based on your quilt batting instructions, make sure you have quilting close enough together so your three layers remains stable. Please let me know if you have any questions on the quilting process or supplies. Thanks! I’ve always enjoyed doing hand sewing and was thrilled when I found your website and video on the topic! Suzy, loved your video. Thank you for a great tutorial! Wonderful! Second question is on waxing your thread, seems like you don’t, but do people wax? I believe Anna Maria Horner is the designer. Oh! Try only double knotting. How to Quilt by Hand. Also, aside from a basic running stitch seen here, you could chain stitch for a “solid” line look rather than a “dashed” line. Oh dear! I must own 30 different thimbles and none work! xo. I’m trying out something small first by putting together a Row by Row kit (from 2015). Also, did you start in the middle and work your way out and what did you use to mark those perfect semi-circles? First off–you are adorable and have beautiful skin!!! I loved this tutorial, thank you so much for it! I actually even visisted a workshop once but I didn’t like the tiny needles nor the frame and there seemed to be so many rules to follow that it turned me off and I decided that handquilting won’t bee for me. My advice is to take a small sample of the same materials that you are using in … You can read more about quilt marking tools here. I am also wondering what you think about a variegated thread, either shades of the same color or different colors. You are so generous with your time! Time to gather your “quilt vision”. I usually keep the same 50 or 40wt. Hand quilting can be a time-consuming venture — but an extremely rewarding one for the determined quilter! I probably only sewed through all three layers with every other stitch! Do you (and other hand-quilters here) “gift” hand quilted items? Quilt top: pieced fabric, typically put together in blocks. I really appreciate this video. Finally, gather everything you’ll need for the top. This is a great post. This does not affect the price you pay, but it does help us to keep the site running. Be careful not to pop it through one hole and out the other. Piecing your quilt is the step where you get to see your hard work start to pay off. ha!). Any ideas? When you’ve almost reached your starting point, stop about an inch away. Most longarm quilters will sew an all-over pattern on the quilt, however if you pay extra, some will sew a custom design. – The Willow Market, 3 Fun & Fresh Quilted Pillow Patterns - Suzy Quilts. Congratulations! I’m going to start quilting my first quilt shortly and this is just what I needed. I thought I knew what I was doing with hand quilting, but I definitely needed this video. If you're using a machine, set your stitch length to about 2½" - 3". Thanks. I would like to know the plaid fabrics and the gold dot used in the quilt in the video. Below are links to tutorials on the different stages of the quilting process. That makes the quilting feel extra unique and special. Use tiny needles when you quilt by hand (these are—no surprise—called quilting needles). Your video was awesome. Thanks in advance x. What kind of thread are you using? It’s true though that sewing machine does it better and faster. Thanks!! I shall run away and try your version. Hand Quilting Thread: This thread is specially coated, and slightly heavier than regular thread to glide through all three layers and prevent fraying. This includes any hand quilting patterns you want to create, and any colors, patterns, and types of fabric that you’ll be making the pattern out of. Pingback: How to Sew Curves in a Quilt - Suzy Quilts. I’m just starting to think about quilting and would love to try hand-stitching first before committing to purchasing a machine, so I was wondering if you have any blog posts or tips about hand-stitching the quilt top? Maria is based in Chicago and runs a small crafts business on Etsy and Zazzle. Some simple beginner-friendly quilt patterns. And yes, those tiny hand stitches are stunning, but can be hard on the digits. You're here to learn a sewing skill that has been passed down from generation to generation for...generations! We pop! Another option is just to mend the tears. Once the knot is underneath the quilt top, I like to rub it into the batting layer a bit so that the knot gets nicely tangled in the fibers of the batting. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); © — SewingFromHome.com, Lining vs. Interfacing vs. Interlining vs. Underlining. I’m not a creeper–honest! I got it originally from fabricworm. Repeat until you run out of yarn. If this happens I just unstitch enough stitches so that I have room to rethread my needles and finish by popping my knot into the quilt top. https://suzyquilts.com/quilt-marking-tools/, What are your Favorite Hand Quilting Resources? Required fields are marked *. I’m using cotton batting and it seems like A LOT of fiber to stitch through by hand! The knot will find it's way between the yarns of thread that make up the weft and warp of the fabric. This isn't necessarily a fabric you used in your actual … This could be answered two different ways. I have never done hand quilting and your tutorial is so great to start. Your teaching style is very straightforward and really answered any questions I have had on this technique. I loved your video and it was very helpful-this may be a silly question but when you’re hand stitching, do you attach all of the pieces together at once or do you sew the fabric together first then add the batting/backing? … This will keep tension off of your other fingers and, with enough practice, will give you the most even stitches. In the beginning, try sewing two stitches at a time. I have only hand quilted 2 quilts so far and even though my stitches can be a little uneven, I love the look and the feel. I love quilting and am presently watching videos on the above. I’m already looking for my next project to start. I’m new to quilting and falling in love with the various patterns, techniques and fabrics. The part you decide to lay out depends on your pattern. One question I have regarding hand quilting is about some of your thread colours. The Sewing. More complicated hand quilting patterns are often made of simple, geometric shapes, so that they can be sewn in clean, straight lines. From there, you can add borders, tassels, and other decorations to your heart’s delight! However I didn’t like the idea of having to do a whole quilt nor the idea of having to use a frame or a hoop. Thank you so much!!! Let your fans know if you ever do it! When I wash them I use a bit more care, but they should hold up over time. Also – your videos make me laugh – thanks for not being boring. Knotpopandrockit! Your site, blog and FB page are all informative and more importantly they are very inspirational. Your batting packaging will say and it’s usually around 8″ – 10″ apart. I try to avoid animal products. Your feedback will be much appreciated. Great question! I learned so much. Please consider this for a future project and demonstration. I’m debating whether to hand quilt a throw sized quilt (60×68) but I’ve never done it and it’s for a baby shower in 7 days. I’m working on hand quilting a project now and wondered if there are other stitches you can quilt with? I wrote a thimble post with a link if you’re interested – https://suzyquilts.com/best-thimble/. TIA for all input….. Are you double knotting or triple knotting? Hand Quilting Video Tutorials. I’m new to quilting and am addicted! You don’t want your stitches so large that they become like basting stitches and can easily be pulled out, however, they do not need to hit a certain stitch/inch quota to be secure. I just think that if you want your quilt to stand up under wear and tear, it’s good to have those layers nice and secure. Whether you’re a newbie or seasoned sewist, there’s sure to be something for you to enjoy. What do you think of that? Well, at least I haven’t encountered that. Get it here! Hand Quilting Hoop: This is thicker and stronger than an embroidery hoop and you’ll need this to hold your fabric firmly in place. My question is simple .. when you quilt with the rocking motion what are you doing with the hand that is under the quilt?! Thanks! Quilting 1⁄4" away from the seam lines echoes the lines created by the fabric pieces and seams. Finally, fold the edges of the hole inward and sew the last inch closed. This will make it easier to stitch the pieces together without the fabrics fraying or sliding. Thanks again for all your advice, just from watching the video I can tell hand quilting will be quicker than I assumed! Hand-sewn Scrap Quilt : I have made quilts for many years and I really needed to use up some of the scraps that I have been accumulating.. Yes, I can confirm that I used no machine quilting on that Fly Away quilt. It shouldn’t be breaking on you like that. I think a running stitch will be best for your hand quilting project. 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