Hi, It's been awhile since I wrote anything on the block central site but I need some information about hand quilting. I got a quilting frame at an auction, have the quilt, backing and batting all attached and am ready to get started. I usually applique with a #8 between needle but it seems too short for hand quilting. Does anyone have any suggestions? Also, I think I should use all cotton thread but my LQS only had polyester. That just doesn't seem right to me. Cotton fabric means cotton thread, right?

I know somebody out there has lots of experience and can help me out.

Jean D

Hi there. Try a size 10 or 12 between needle (whichever makes you more comfy) for the quilting. Also, you're right, you should use cotton thread for cotton fabric. If you can't get any at your LQS (which is just wrong), it's pretty easy to find online. Try www.keepsakequilting.com or www.mainstreetcottonshop.com. I like these two for reliability, but you can probably find some that are better on price, like Connecting Threads.

Good luck!
Delia

I agree on the needle size. But really, you will have to see what works best for you. I also love Gutermann thread. If you use a colored thread it isn't as stiff so you might want some beeswax or thread heaven (wonderful stuff) to help it along.

I really prefer a short over a between anyday, but then my hands are small (not the rest of me, just my hands! LOL) A longer needle is awkward for me to manipulate. Why not try on a mock-up? sandwich some batting two pieces of muslin and put them in a large embroidery hoop. Try some different sizes and see which is most comfortable to you.

My favorite quilting needle is a John James #11 Big Eye (because of my poor eyesight!!) This is a short rather thin needle. You'll find that a short needle works much better than a long needle - long ones tend to bend quickly then break. With a short needle you can take smaller stitches also. And yes, do buy cotton thread. Wal-Mart here carries cotton quilting thread in several colors.

Nola

You all are terrific!! I can always count on you to solve my quilting problems. I went to the store, got some different sized needles, betweens and sharps. Nola, where do you find John James #11?
I got the cotton quilting thread and it is working much better. I also got a leather thimble. It seems to grip the needle a little better.... and that needle gripper I found sure helps pull the needle through.
Now, I need to practice.... I've quilted severals things with a hoop but getting used to quilting sitting down with a frame is awkward!! I just have to keep working at it.... I think I can, I think I can!!
Thanks again.

Jean, I get the John James needles at my LQS. Not everyone carries them, but they are my favorite - don't seem to bend and break nearly as easily as some of the other brands, yet the John James brand is actually a bit cheaper than some of the others. The big eye also makes it easier to thread the cotton thread which is a bit thicker than the poly thread.

If you can't find John James where you are, and you'd like to try them, send me an email or PM with your address and I'll send you a package of them. I noticed my LQS had a new supply in.

Nola

Nola,

Thanks for the tip on the John James needles. I'm going to give them a shot. I have some trouble with my hands and it can be a bit difficult to thread needles sometimes. The big eye will hopefully help.

Incidently, I found them at http://www.createforless.com/homepage.asp as well as www.hancocks-paducah.com.
Delia

Nola, Thanks for the offer. I'm going to check out my LQS first and if I can't find them, I'll let you know. Thanks Delia for posting the site that has them. I don't remember seeing them anywhere but I keep bending my needles while quilting, and I broke one in half. I'm using a #9 between. I assume the John James needle you're talking about is the quilting one with the big eye.
I actually am making some progress on the quilt. I made 7 rows of the repeating crosses pattern. There are 6 blocks in each row. I'm on the last of the 2nd row..... 5 rows to go. Gotta get it done before grandson's graduation. With teaching, there's not a lot of extra time.

Hi all, I thought I'd drop a note to let you see the quilt now that it is quilted... sore fingers but I'll have the binding on and pillow shams finished in time for grandson's graduation. Thanks again to all that gave advise and helped me get this done.

Anyway, I don't see where I can attach a picture. Can someone let me know how to do that since the site has changed?