Hand Quilting
Generations of women knew nothing other than hand stitched quilts. Now it’s only a few rare women who have even seen someone hand stitch a quilt. Therefore when someone desires to learn this craft and get down to the very basics, it may involve hand quilting. While it is not difficult, it does involve a number of techniques that are better taught one on one rather than simply reading a book of instructions. As with machine-made quilts, there are still all the considerations of design, color, and patterns. The only difference is that with hand quilting, every stitch is lovingly put in by hand. And the result is a priceless one-of-a-kind quilt.
Hand Quilting: a Labor of Love
It is often considered a genuine labor of love when someone takes the time to do hand quilting, sewing every pattern by hand and then connecting all the blocks together by hand. While it’s true that the finished quilt looks and feels much nicer than machine made quilts, still it requires a lot of work. Remember that when the quilter sews the quilt together, the thread must pass through all three layers: the pattern side, the batting and the backing.
When hand quilting, it is advisable to use 100% cotton quilting thread as it is coated with wax. This makes it easier to pass through all three layers and is stronger than normal sewing thread; therefore it’s less likely to break when pulled tight. The choice of color is up to the quilter and any color that coordinates with the material will suffice. Keep that fact in mind if the backing material is a contrasting color to the main colors on the face of the quilt.
When designing the pattern for the squares, it’s best to mark them first with a crayon or chalk. Just make sure that whatever you use can be removed easily, either by washing or erasing. Always draw the pattern on the cloth before putting it to thread.
Hide Quilting Knots in Batting
When you are ready to begin sewing your quilt together, arrange all three layers together. Start your needle about a half inch from where you want it to come through. Begin hand quilting by putting the needle through the batting layer only and then into the top layer and pull it tight. This technique will help to keep the knot hidden within the batting, not visible on the front or back creating a neat clean look.
Continue on one side of the quilt, running your needle through all three layers several times before pulling the thread tight. Once you have reached the end of the run, complete the section with the batting — again so the knot is hidden. Return to the same edge your hand quilting started on and then repeat the procedure through the second row and subsequent rows.
Regardless of the number of pieces of material you use to create your quilt, it is not truly a quilt until it is sewn together. For those truly interested in hand quilting it’s a good idea, if at all possible, to find a quilter who does hand quilting. Spend quality time with her, and witness the process from the beginning to end. Watching the process demonstrated may be more instructional than reading about it or being told.