If it's advice on hand quilting you're seeking, don't miss Alex's TQS Classroom found on the Daily Blog Page. At the top of the page, you'll see a little square that says Alex's TQS Classroom. Just click on that and you can view all the video lessons she is posting. She's just started and currently has 8 little introductory lessons, starting with batting choices. She's going to get into more detail about the actual quilting process.

These lessons are great because each one is only a few minutes long. Then you have the opportunity to digest the material before moving on. Of course, you can view each lesson over and over again. This Classroom is a great addition to the website. Don't miss it.

Thanks Maureen for all those tips - I hadn't thought of trimming back the seams. I'll concentrate on eveness of stitch and forget the smallness! Trouble is I'm too fussy - I am also going to look for the needles you recommend and will try the batting you recommend next time - thanks for taking the time to write at length x

Hi

You won't get very small stitches quilting through so many layers

I hand piece ALL the time and always trim my seams to under 1/4 inch if I want to 1/4inch outline a block or something

However its not really the size of the stitch but the evenness of them. If you look at old welsh or Durham quilts for example the stitches weren't too small but they were even. Once you have the evenness it is easier to gt your stitches smaller. It also depends very much on the fabric and the batting.

Its all a matter of practice and finding what suits you.

For example I use Quilters Dream cotton - low loft. I keep my quilt very loose in the hoop and I use a Thimblelady thimble so I use the underneath of my finger to guide the needle in rather than the top of my finger. I also use a quite long needle - its a Clover Patchwork size 9 ( in a brown case not the usual green clover case) - I line the long needle as I can then load a lot of stitches on to it.

But I have been through several different types of needle and methods before I have settled on the method that suits me.

I am sure that you will do the same. Remember there is no right way just the way that suits you and gives you the result you want.

Regards

Maureen T - Sydney Australia

Hello everybody - I have just hand pieced a wall hanging - my first project and about to start the hand quilting - I find it hard to achieve small quilting stitches. I have loads of books but none explain how far out the quilting stitches should be from the seam lines. The seam allowances are pressed to one side and so the work is quite thick with the top layer, batting and backing and then the possibly two layers of seam allowance as well. Should I be quilting at least a quarter of an inch outside the seam lines? Look forward to hearing from someone soon! x