How to Quilt Fabric by Hand

Quilting by hand is the original method of quilting. Machine quilting is a relatively new quilting method. Hand quilting, on the other hand, has stood the test of time.

Some quilters prefer to quilt their quilt tops by hand, while others prefer to machine quilt. If you are a quilter who has never tried hand quilting, this may be something to at least try.

One of the attractions to hand quilting is the attention to detail that hand quilting offers. When you sit and slowly quilt a quilt top by hand, you become very attuned to many aspects of the project that you may miss with machine quilting.

Although hand quilting can be very time consuming, many people find it well worth the effort and time.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Thimble Hand quilting needle (larger size is best for beginners) Hand quilting thread Quilting hoop Quilt top Quilt backing Quilt batting Scissors Disappearing fabric pen (optional)

1. Lay out the quilt backing layer with the wrong side up. Place the batting on top of the backing. Place the quilt top on top of the batting. Smooth all layers and make sure they are aligned.

2. Baste the three layers together with long basting stitches to keep the layers secure and prevent them from shifting. These basting stitches are not permanent.

3. Choose a quilting pattern, if desired. A beginner may just choose to quilt along seam lines. A more advanced hand-quilter may opt to transfer a pattern to the quilt with disappearing fabric pen and follow the pattern.

4. Place the quilt into the hoop. The layers should be taut.

5. Thread the needle with approximately 20 inches of thread. Knot the thread.

6. Insert the needle into the quilt from the top down through the first two layers only to start. Direct the needle back up and out from the top to bury the knot within the quilt layers.

7. Quilt with a small running stitch. Place the thimble on your second or third finger of your dominant hand to push the needle through all three quilt layers. Place several running stitches onto the needle before pulling the entire thread through the quilt layers to make the stitches.

8. Continue quilting the quilt as desired. Work slowly and carefully, taking breaks as necessary. Hand quilting should not be expected to be completed quickly.

9. Quilt from the center of the quilt and work your way out. Stitch the borders last.

10. Remove basting stitches to finish quilting the quilt.