 |
The Quiltpox Home |
 |
About Becky |
 |
Quilt Patterns |
 |
Quilting Techniques |
 |
Women of the Bible Quilt |
 |
Link to The Quiltpox at Cafe Press |
 |
Link to My QuiltBlog |
 |
Link to other Davis Family Creations pages |
|
|
|
|
|
|
General Hand Piecing Instructions
Use a good, sharp needle and good quality, fine thread. Some thread twists more than others, causing knots that are extremely frustrating. Try different brands until you find one you feel comfortable with. I like a very fine needle so that it glides through the fabric.
If you are using fabric of varying colors, you can use a medium gray thread, and it will usually disappear into the seams. If your patches are gradations of the same color, you can probably use that color of thread. Usually a thread that is darker than the fabric is better than one that is lighter.
| When hand piecing a seam, some tension
needs to be kept on the seam. I hold the right end of the seam between the
ring finger and pinky of my right hand, and the other end between the
thumb and forefinger of my left hand. Then I work from right to left. (If
you are left-handed, you will need to reverse this.) This is just my way
of holding it - you need to find what is comfortable for you. (Diagram 1)
I use a thimble on my right middle finger to push the needle through the fabric. With some fabric, it’s not really necessary, but it has become a habit and I can hardly use a needle and thread without the thimble on my finger now. |
Diagram 1 |
Sometimes I use marked lines for the seams, and other times I don’t. It depends on the project. For curved seams, I always use lines. For triangles and diamonds, I like to at least have dots in the corners, but I don't use lines unless it "feels" hard to line up. For squares and rectangles I almost never use lines or dots, because I am so familiar with the 1/4" distance. Poke the needle through the end point, making sure it comes through on your marked end point on the other side. (Diagram 2) |
Diagram 2 |
| Take 2-3 stitches through both layers of fabric, rocking the needle back and forth. I use the index finger of my left hand to feel the needle coming through and help guide it back up. (Diagram 3) |
Diagram 3 |
| While the stitches are still on the needle, before pulling it through, check the back side of your work to make sure the stitches are on the line on that side, too. If not, pull the needle back out and re-align your fabric before trying again. If you find it difficult to get that many stitches lined up, you can do one at a time until it gets easier. (Diagram 4) |
Diagram 4 |
| Continue in this manner to the end of the seam. It is a good idea to take a backstitch every couple of inches, and especially at corners if you will be continuing on. (Diagram 5) |
Diagram 5 |
