I brought my little snowball quilt out camping and quilted by the fire. I ended up machine stitching with clear thread in the ditch after I got home, but the hand stitches still seem a bit distant to me. Well, it's done, and I like it. I don't really ever recall quilting without a hoop and I don't think I'll do it again. I like to have some tension on the quilt as I think my stitches are smaller and more even. It can pass as a doll quilt made by a child learning.
Do you like to hand quilt with a hoop? Or without?
Quilting in a hoop or frame is the only way that works for me. I agree that the tension is key. I've seen others quilting without anything to hold the quilt, and wonder how they do it. But, some people have great results quilting without a thimble, and I can't do that either!
ReplyDeleteI quilt using a lap hoop. I only ever knew one person who did not use a hoop for hand quilting. I don't know how she did it. I need that tension.
ReplyDeleteI prefer using a frame. I just finished a small quilt on a hoop and there is a difference in my stitches. Your finish looks so cute!
ReplyDeleteI have tried both ways and agree with you. I do need to feel a little tension to get my stitches just right. I did fall in love with your little quilt and wouldn't change a thing! How big are the squares...it looks very small! Elaine
ReplyDeleteI really like your snowball. I can't use a hoop, I have tried...but I think whatever works for each person is best! Maybe I need to try it again.
ReplyDeleteI like both ways. If I'm looking for nice tiny little stitches, then it's the hoop for me. Still there's something free about quilting without one *s*
ReplyDeleteNo hoop, no thimble. Naked quilting!
ReplyDeleteLove the quilt - without for me - though that could change if I were given a nice hoop on a stand. Other wise I have a hard time handling the hoop & the stand. With all of that said, I have only been successful in quilting doll/crib sized quilts because I can only bunch up so much quilt in my hands.
ReplyDeleteWell, WHEN I hand quilt (LOL) I try and wad it up in my hand the best I can...I guess lap quilter. I read snowballs in summer and chuckled to myself because I just posted August Snowflakes! Too funny...at least I thought.
ReplyDeleteNo hoop and no thimble here either.... I quilt primitive... anything goes! If it is something special, maybe I will pull out a hoop, but otherwise it is so awkward to hold.
ReplyDeleteQuite cute quilt! The quilting looks lovely too!
ReplyDeleteI have to use a hoop also - I'm surprised there are so many who don't use anything! I tried it and it just didn't work very well. I still consider myself rather inexperienced at hand quilting, but I'm hoping to improve. I love the snowball quilt. Someday I want to make one.
ReplyDeleteI have friends that quilt without a hoop but I can't manage the bulk and the back can distort or pucker if you're not careful. I love my hoop. The doll quilt is very sweet.
ReplyDeleteHi I can't quilt using a frame or a hoop. I have been taken classes and I try and try, but I can not quilt in a frame or in a hoop...
ReplyDeleteI am a beginner hand quilter and I have tried with and without a hoop and with and without a thimble. I still haven't decided which way works best for me.
ReplyDeleteI think your piece is beautiful, great pattern for using leftovers too. I hand quilt without a hoop, need to grip my fabric. I hand quilt primitive quilts, so my stitches do not need to be perfect;) Otherwise I use the machine.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
I need a hoop, 14", and a thimble. And I quilt at a table. It's the comfy way for me.
ReplyDeleteThat's adorable. Great colors. I prefer a hoop. Just a small hoop. I can't quilt in a frame. Drives me nuts.
ReplyDeleteLOve this little snowball quilt
ReplyDeletejust adorable!
Kathie
hoop and a thimble!