Perhaps I should title this post "Quilting Heresies."
Yes, you can quilt without a frame, and even without a hoop. I never use either. Instead, I lay out my backing, my batting, and then my quilt top on the floor and get them lined up just right. Then I baste, baste, baste, either with giant stitches or with a million safety pins, securing the three layers together every six inches at most.
The quilt is secure at this point.
Then I just hold it in my lap and do the quilting! In fact, I find it much easier to do tiny running stitches without the fabric stretched taut in a hoop or frame. I enjoy being able to move it up and down around my needle.
Also heretically, I don't use a thimble.
I wouldn't say it is heretical not to use a thimble. I didn't think I could get the hang of one, either...but the holes in my finger kinda talked me into it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your "style." It's all good, that gets such a fabulous result!
I never use a thimble either and I often don't use a hoop or frame. Another heretic I'm afraid.
ReplyDeleteI'm a heretic as well. NEVER a thimble, and only sometimes a hoop or a frame.
ReplyDeleteRules that are made to be broken, yes?
ReplyDeleteIn art, there's no one right way.
I am trying desparately hard to learn to sew clothing ( I've done other sewing for years)just so I can make a vintage housedress like yours. Any tips on that?
I can't speak for anyone else, but I've had to break free of the idea that if I can't do it "right" (the way the experts say it's supposed to be done) I can't do it. Now I try to ask myself, "What do I have in my hand?" and make my crafting work with what I have, rather than waiting till I have all the right supplies/skills/whatever. This is a great example. I haven't quilted in years because (among other reasons) I haven't had a frame...But it's good to know I don't have to wait for one.
ReplyDeleteI guess I'm only have a heretic! I don't use a frame or hoop but I DO use a thimble, although not a traditional type thimble!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your tips. I would think it is a great help not to have a tight quilt to make those tiny stitches through.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter is going to work on a doll quilt this summer. We will baste it. Maybe I'll be bold and move up a size after that. :-)
I’m able to get my stitches so much smaller without using a hoop. Glad to see you have such good results without using one.
ReplyDeleteVery inspiring.
Can't do without a thimble though.
I put the quilt so loosely in the hoop it's almost as if it's not in one (but it is much easier to find the needle and my stopping place!)
ReplyDeleteThe stitches are much small if you can manipulate the quilt a bit more. I love the quilt - and what a joy to have something that spans the generations!
This comment was printed years ago, but you saved me in 2016! Haven't quilted in 30 years and even then I made it up as I went along. The clue to put the quilt on the floor and baste was just what I needed to hear!
ReplyDeleteThank you. You've given me hope that I can still quilt as I'm bed bound.
ReplyDeleteThank you!!! My guilt and self doubt is gone! I love hand quilting and my stitches are smaller and more uniform without the hoop. I too will baste baste baste!
ReplyDelete