Hand quilting-gaaahh

[DuckLady]

I am finding myself having to hand quilt part of my latest quilt.
I quilted it on the longarm, leaving the flower sections alone. I am happy with that part.

My intention was to machine applique the flower sections so it was part of the quilting. I planned to stitch to simulate the hexagon sections as well.
However I was barely able to do one. Shoving the bulk of the quilt through the machine hole to applique the flower was almost impossible.

I started just hand appliqueing, but it is hard to do just on the desk. The quilt is so heavy.
This is the one I started.
Click thumbnail for full size.


I used Quiltsmart Mary's Flower Garden fusible to make the flowers. You can see how I assembled it and what I am trying to do here.

I have this frame, which is huge.

It has another cross piece (not shown) and I am not sure what it is for or how to attach it. It has a leader, so I am thinking it is for the "from the start" quilting.

Anyway, my questions are these....

What kind of needle should I be using? And double or single strand of thread?

If anyone wants to come help me I will feed you.

 

[WriterofWords]

Ok, I'll move in, you show me how and I'll help you lol!!! I love your work, I aspire to be you!

 

[speckledhen]

I use betweens, not sure the size, maybe an 8?, since these are older needles and the package is long gone. A single strand is what you use for quilting. I don't really do applique much because I hate it, LOL.

 

[DuckLady]

Should the needle be longer than the one in the thumbnail above? I don't really have needles either, just what I found stuck in my pincushion.

Do I just use regular thread? I have been using Superior Threads long staple cotton. 17 wt

 

[speckledhen]

I use hand quilting thread, Terrie. And that needle looks pretty long. Betweens are much shorter needles.


I measured my between I'm using now and it's 1 1/8" long, or just shy of that, so that gives you an idea of how short a quilting needle is.

 

[goldenluver]

use a between needle
use hand quilting thread, it's heavier
single thread, knot one end and pull through the top to the middle so the knot is in the sandwitch of the quilt
quilt from the center outward
use your frame and don't pull the quilt taut, you want to be able to push up or down with the needle.

hope this helps

 

[DuckLady]

Thanks! I will give it a go and try to find another needle.

 

[PaulaJoAnne]

Quote:
Oh, I need one fo those!!! I have to hand quilt our wedding quilt. Its only a king size

 

[CoyoteMagic]

Quote:
Yeah what she said

She typed faster than I could think it, lol


I actually like to use a smaller needle like a 10 or 11

 

[verthandi]

Are you trying to hand quilt or are you more concerned with appliqueing the edges of the flowers so they don't fray?