It’s three weeks since I last showed my hand quilting project. This is just a little practise one before I get my Down the Rabbit Hole quilt back from being basted. I was hoping my quilt would be back by now but my computer managed to spam the message saying it was ready, so I missed it and now my LAQ is on holiday! It’s probably a good thing really since I’ve had a really busy couple of weeks so I wouldn’t have had chance to really settle down and plan what I am doing.
In the meantime…
Three weeks ago my panel looked like this…
I’d just quilted around the bird and I was deciding how to do the rest of the panel.
I decided to quilt what I need to practise, so I’m cross-hatching across the main square and then I’ll try a border strip at the top and two medallion type patterns in the little squares. It easier to see my stitching from the back I think, there’s a few missed stitches, but that’s why I’m doing a practise piece, so hopefully by the time I start my DTRH quilt I will vaguely know what I’m doing!
I’ve started the cross-hatching. I’m using masking tape as a guide and stitching about 1/4″ along side it. I was trying little stick on leather finger protectors last time, Kate suggested a Clover silicone thimble, it has a silicone side and a metal top. I bought a pretty pink one!
Using a thimble is a big learning curve for me, like I’ve never used one. Actually, when I think about it that’s a slight porky-pie, when I was a teenager I hand-quilted a double size quilt and used a thimble, but in those days we used the thimble underneath to bounce off, not on top to help push through. Thimbles work really well at protecting my fingers, because I seem to stop using that finger and use the one nextdoor instead!! On the embroidery course someone lent me a leather one to try and it was like I had my finger bandaged, it just sort sticks out and forgets how to work! I think it’s something I need to practise and work at!
One tool I am finding helpful is a teaspoon! I saw a clip on youtube a while ago where the quilter used a teaspoon underneath to lift the quilt and give the needle something to work against. With a spoon I can do three stitches in a row and it comes out much more even.
I’m probably about half way through the cross-hatching and it’s not coming out too bad…and I have to say it is quite relaxing 🙂
This Hand Quilt Along is an opportunity for hand quilters and piecers to share and motivate one another. We post every three weeks, to show our progress and encourage one another. If you have a hand quilting project and would like to join our group contact Kathy at the link below.
Kathy, Lori, Margaret, Kerry, Emma, Tracy, Deb, Connie, Susan, Nanette, Sassy , Edith, Sharon and Bella.
I will also be linking up with Kathy’s Quilts for Slow Stitching Sunday, so please follow the link to see more hand stitching.
thecraftycreek 
Your thimble phobia sounds exactly like mine – I’ve tried all the different types too and it still feels like I’m trying to sew with somebody else’s hand if I use one. I must practice though as I’d like to try to hand quilt my F2F blocks this year . Your panel is looking good so I must have a look at the teaspoon method.
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Glad it’s not just me! I found the teaspoon method on the internet, probably youtube.
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Everyone has a different quilting technique, and mine is not at all ‘classical’. I wear the thimble on my long middle finger, and it’s just for pushing. I hold the needle with index finger and thumb, working from right to left, and allow the needle to pivot between them, rather than rocking the needle on the thimble finger. Once I have three stitches loaded, I push it through with the thimble. This way, I find the thimble doesn’t disturb me 🙂 But whatever you’re already doing is clearly working well, as it’s looking very good.
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Maybe that’s where I was going wrong, I was trying to hold it with the thimbled finger, I’ll try that, got to protect my fingers for when I start my big quilt!!
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I wish I was techy enough to take a video to show you. There are lots of them out there to show you the ‘correct’ method, but that doesn’t work for me and I feel it would take a long time for me to get comfortable with it. You’ll end up with quilting calluses, no two ways about it, but so long as you maintain them by quilting frequently, they’ll help protect your fingers.
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I think my method is like Kate’s, except I don’t touch the needle with thumb or index finger–I just rest the thimble on the needle and pivot. When I first started hand quilting, I read the suggestion that, to get used to a thimble, put it on and wear it all day. Just keep it on and go about your life and get used to it! I did that and now I, seriously, *never* sew as much as a button without a thimble! Doing your practice piece was so smart–it looks good and you’re building confidence!
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That’s probably a good idea, to ‘live’ in it for a day or too, I’ll try that!
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Great idea to do a practice piece before starting into a big project! I use a metal thimble when I hand stitch…I have a silicone one too and I use it sometimes too but I think I like the metal one better. Do you find the spoon dulls your needle? I have a mostly finished hand quilting project around here somewhere which I should pull out and finish… I’m looking forward to seeing you work on DTRH.
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I did wonder if it would dull my needle, I’ve probably not done enough to tell yet…watch this space 🙂
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You will eventually find what works best for you. I like your cross-hatching. I have a quilt in progress where I am doing that too. It is very relaxing to quilt.
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Thank you, I’m quite surprised how relaxing it is really 🙂
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Your stitches are perfect…I think your ready to move from practice to the real thing once your quilt returns. ( I have never used a thimble )
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Thank you, glad to hear there’s hope for me yet if I can’t get the hang of it 🙂
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I struggled with my thimble too, at first. I have an orange silicon with a colonial head, and now that I am used to it, it works really well for me. My Aunt Becky tools works like your spoon to move the quilt instead of the fingers holding the needle. On straight lines I am getting pretty fast! You are going to be ready to go when Rabbit Hole comes home, you must be excited to get started! Your practice piece is looking splendid!
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Thanks Kathy, I think it’s going to be practice practice practice to get the hang of a thimble!
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I was motivated by a very sore finger, or I might not have been patient enough to do the practice!
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Such beautiful work! Priceless. I have difficulty with small projects – beginnings of arthritis? So I’m always happy to see the lovely things others make!
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Thanks Linda, I’m getting things done whilst I can, before my eye’s give me trouble – not got a good family history!!
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Oh oh! 😟
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Give yourself a nice pat on the back for you are doing great! 😄 it is relaxing to quilt, and just enjoy the stitching process.
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Thanks Deb, I’m quite surprised just how relaxing it is!
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Hi,
I have a problem using a thimble also. Beautiful
piece. Have a great day!
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Thanks Sherrie, glad it’s not just me 🙂
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You are so smart to practice on this smaller piece before you tackle your Down the Rabbit Hole. I think the spoon is a great idea! I really love your beautiful bird project, but I am giddy with excitement to see your Rabbit quilt. Mine is almost done and I think I had a small tear of happiness when I put the last stitch in the vine panels:)! 😊❤️
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I can’t get my DTRH quilt til about 19th July as LAQ is on holiday and then I need a lift to get over there really, I’ll be well practised by then, might even have got the hang of a thimble!
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It’s really beautiful! I need to get myself a thimble too, hopefully I get used to it quickly-ish.
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Thanks Emma, I’m hoping I get used to it quickly-ish 🙂
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Love your work. I also have thimbles. Spent a fair amount of money trying every different one there was. Still don’t user very often, feels unnatural. I wind up with sore fingers though.
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Thanks Lori, it does feel very unnatural, think I need to persevere if I’m to quilt my DTRH quilt!
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