To me hand quilting is a dying art. Most people I know have never even heard of it. I even got asked once, isn’t that what machines are for? Yes you can find that most sewing machines have settings to allow you to quilt the patters much easier and faster than hand quilting. I confess I have a sewing machine that’s main purpose is quilting but that’s beside the point… there is no greater accomplishment than knowing you did all that work by hand.

About a year ago i started on a quilt that was made up completely of left over scraps from past quilts and quarter panels from the fabric store that I thought looked cute with my scraps. With any quilt you start off with planning the pattern you would like to use to get a specific look for your quilt. I had decided to not have a specific pattern, but instead I went with a random block look. If your a new quilter I suggest making a quilt with a simple pattern instead of what I had done. If you’re feeling adventurous than by all means go for it! I had already finished the quilt before I began Artsy Craftsy Katy, but I thought you would like to see how I am quilting it to maybe inspire you to try hand quilting for yourself!

Now don’t get discourage, keep in mind it takes practice and time so don’t rush yourself into trying to get it done as fast as possible. Beauty takes time! As far as the equipment goes, you don’t need the most expensive quilters frame and supplies to start quilting. The more confident you are down the road and if you decide this is truly something you like doing than I would invest in one. I’ve been quilting for a couple years now and still don’t have all the fancy equipment my mother or grandmother have so don’t worry!

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Lets Get Started!

For starters you need to make a quilt! Later I will post more about my ideas for quilts and how to put together patterns and choosing the material for the look you want.

Here’s a picture of my quilt that I will be using.

Front                                Back
 

The material I used is 100% cotton with quilters 100% cotton backing for the back. Which can be found at most fabric stores that are especially for fabrics. I have even got the idea to use a cotton bed sheet as the back. You save money and get the exact size you want for your blanket! If your new to sewing blankets and have a hard time getting the right size you might want to try this idea on your next blanket.

The next item you need is batting for the center of your blanket. I got mine for an awesome price at Walmart. You Can find it pretty much anywhere fabric is sold! Just make sure you get the right amount!

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Now that you have the all the pieces lets start putting it together! Lay your backing down first on the ground. Next you will want to lay down your batting. After placing it you should have enough to cover every corner and a little left over. cut the extra and save! you can use this in later projects. Ok next part depends on what way you choose to hold the quilt together. I came across this awesome product called, quilt basting spray (click for link). You spray it in between materials to keep it from moving while you quilt. The other option is to pin your material down around the edges and throughout the center. I personally prefer the spray over the pins, mostly cause its fast and simple, but also because your not getting constantly poked or loosing pins in your blanket.. If you don’t want to spend the money on the spray, then the pins are the way to go. not to mention you can reuse them over and over again!

Using the spray, lay down your back and spray from corner to corner until completely covered. it does not have to be a lot just enough to cover the material. place your batting on top of that and flatten out any wrinkles. Next spray the top of the batting with the same amount you used for the other side and place the front of your quilt on top. Straighten out any wrinkles and press down slightly through out the entire quilt to make sure the spray is holding the material together.

 

 

Almost there just a few more things are needed!

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1. This is the quilting stencil i chose. There are plenty of different patterns to choose from so i suggest taking a minute to really think about what kind of look you want your quilt to have.

2. Next is picking the thread. i chose a thicker thread that is actually in my opinion a little bit harder to use. However it really stands out on your blanket if you have a lot of crazy patterns.

3. Last but not least, the needles. This set of needles has been my favorite, it has just the right amount of various sizes for what ever your doing. Depending on the thread you use will differ the size of needle you need. So its nice having all different sizes to choose from.

Quilting Time!

This is it the part you’ve been waiting for! Lay out your quilt and using a white or grey pencil trace your pattern onto your quilt. Don’t worry about the marks they’ll wash off when you wash your quilt. Make sure you can see the marks on you quilt.

   

Using an embroidery hoop we can start hand quilting. the bigger the embroidery hoop the easier it is to quilt.

Place the continuous inside hoop underneath your quilt where you would like to start quilt. Then place the other hoop on the top of your quilt and slide over the inside hoop, with material in between. After you have both hoops and material where you would like it tighten the top hoop to keep securely in place.

              

Next cut enough thread for the pattern. for mine i like doing two flowers at a time. I use close to a yard of thread. Its a continuous circle that you start and finish at the same spot. Tie a small knot on the end of your thread depending on thickness you might need to make two knots. Poke through about an inch away from where you would like to start your pattern. Put your needle through the top material avoiding going through the bottom of the quilt, Guide your needle to the start of you pattern and pull the thread all the way through until the knot you made comes through the material securing itself between the two materials in the spot you would like to begin. Than following the line on your fabric about half a centimeter from the start poke through to the back. continuing this motion start following the line all the way around the pattern.

         

Tie off thread when needed using earlier technique tie a knot at the end and guide your needle through the top half of your quilt avoiding going through the entire quilt, pull the thread through until the knot comes through and hides between the two materials. Repeat that step and begin again with new thread. You will repeat this throughout the entire quilt until you have completely finished.

And there you have it! Hand quilting basic knowledge! Now its your turn to try it. I hope you enjoyed learning quilting with me be sure to leave a comment below with your success with quilting, and a picture of your work!