Hand Quilting Time

[vfem]

Ok, so I've been working on this blanket since August. My first one and I've gone WAY overboard (and this was me pulling back on the reigns some). Its supposed to be a queen size, but I had to short the long side about 7"-10" due to lack of fabric. I was mainly using scraps with some clearance purchased items. Its a gift for my mother-in-law, so I need this DONE in time to ship to Iowa for Christmas.

I think it is WAY to big to machine quilt this on my little machine, even with a walking foot, I'm not sure I could. So I want to hand do it. I had the idea to get a hoop to stop the blanket and batting front slipping while I work since its so large... but really.... I don't know what I'm doing!?

I have some photos of what I am here: http://fromseed.blogspot.com
I just posted them so they are fresh (sorry about the size)

Any suggestions or help?! Some videos or sites I should look at about hand quilting?! Thanks.... I'm planning on starting this next step today. Been so sick I finally have time!!!

I am very proud of myself, this was a HUGE untertaking and I didn't fall flat on my face.

 

[Imp]

That's beautiful. I have no advice, except to say that I would not have the patience. I'd send it out for someone with a quilting machine to do. I admire people who can do that.

Imp

 

[vfem]

Aww,

thank you! I had saved some scraps of my daughter's clothes when she was a baby to add to the blanket for my MIL. Nana will have little bits of her granddaughter around. She deserved to have something special because she's so far away, but she goes above and beyond for her granddaughter anyways. Besides... I took her son! LOL

 

[vfem]

I forgot to ask, but is there a quilter's thread or embrodiery thread I should be using to hand do this?!

 

[speckledhen]

There is Hand Quilting thread. It says it on the spool. I many times use a large hoop sitting on my lap. Never machine quilted a quilt before.

 

[vfem]

Quote:
So any suggestions?! Are there good patterns to use for something this size? Just lines would be fine?! I would love to interchange patterns if its possible. Like something loopy in a pattern in the middle... then maybe just lines on the outside?!

I don't know.... I'm afraid to start this, and mess it up!

********nervousness********

 

[CedarRidgeChicks]

I am like Cynthia..I often quilt on a large lap hoop..the one you have is tooooo small..only in that you will be constantly moving it..the ones I have are a 24in round and a 18 in round and a 14 x 24 oval..the oval makes the edges easier but isn't necessary. I lay my quilt backing out in the floor, put the batting on then the top; then I take large safety pins and start in the middle and pin the three layers together every 16 in or so..working from the center out both directions. I usually roll the ends up and work from the center out. I sometimes prop it up on a straight back chair to ease the weight..you will work this out after you get started..also make sure your backing is several (I try for 3-4 inches all around) larger because even when penned or basted it can shift some. better to have to cut off some than to need to add!! Use quilting thread and needles!! If I can help any further..pm me!! Good luck!!

 

[CedarRidgeChicks]

I forgot the answer to your other question..yes there are quilting patterns..thousands!! and quilting templates to use to mark them around but straight line quilting would be fine too..these can either be marked with quilt marking pencils or some people use masking tape and use the edge to quilt along beside..the straight lines goes much quicker for me..so if you are pressed for time, you may want to take this route..maybe quilt around the "squares"??

 

[slightlyscrambled]

It looks as though you have bound it already? Lay it out on a hard surface and use LOTS of safety pins. When you move your hoop just really make sure that all is smooth and wrinkle free before you start stitching again.
It looks wonderful!!

 

[KDbeads]

Tip #1:
Get a quilting hoop, that embroidery hoop is going to drive you nuts! Quilting hoops are usually about twice the depth as the embroidery hoop and I can tell you from experience they are much easier to deal with. They don't pop loose on the layers like the thin ones do.
http://www.keepsakequilting.com/productdetail/9072/-ROUND-14--QUILTING-HOOP.htm
Tip #2:
Cotton hand quilting thread, as 100% cotton, not the other stuff with poly in it.
Tip #3
Size 11 betweens needles for hand quilting, most hand quilters use this size. I use size 9 long/sharps but that's my personal preference after a lifetime of needle work.
Tip #4
Get a needle puller and a quilter's thimble, regular thimbles are a pain to use.
Tip #4
Find a quilting/fabric store close by and ASK QUESTIONS!!! Not a big chain store but a little hole in the wall type place. They can show you everything, give you pointers, answers all kinds of questions.
Tip #5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fku9z1R2T0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_lZRvsq53c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSdMvShlA04
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVhJVKeTkwY