Some Tips and Techniques

    Sometimes getting started is the hardest part of any project; hand quilting is no exception. In the video today we take hand quilting step by step: threading, stitching and ending, while addressing a few tips and trouble spots along the way. A few things didn't make it into the video..here are a few Q&A's.
    1. How do I fix a knot?
        Knots happen to everyone. Tangled thread that just won't come undone is cut just below the tangle. If there isn't enough thread to make a knot, I pull a few stitches until I can tie off. Cut a fresh piece, use a tangle prevention method (see video), and start fresh.
    2. What is traveling?
         In hand quilting, traveling means to slip your needle between the quilt sandwich layers and move from where you are quilting to where you need to be quilting. Kind of skipping to the next spot. Note: only travel very short distances and it's better not to travel if your thread is darker than your fabric.
   3.  My stitches are puckering.
        Relax. When I quilt a difficult design, often I find myself tensing up and biting my lip. Bad habit! Stop, breathe, sip tea and come back when you are relaxed. A little pucker is fine, too much will distort the quilt. Try smoothing the stitches a bit to relieve the tension in the fabric.
   4. My (hands, shoulders, wrists, etc.) hurt.
       Check your position. Are you practicing good posture? Good technique? Are you quilting with your arms supported?
    The desire of my heart is to share my experience with others and to learn from others as well. If you have tips or techniques we would love to hear from you. Leave us a message or comment. Let's learn and stitch together.