The Rocking stitch is the most common method of hand quilting, and once mastered produces beautiful results. If you are struggling to produce neat even stitches, then watch how Carolyn Gibbs breaks the process into steps in this short video.
It does take practice – see how Carolyn’s stitches improved on the first project she ever hand quilted:
A bit more practice, and maybe this is what you too could achieve:
Seeing it slowly and carefully demonstrated makes it look so much more understandable. Thank you for a lovely demo.
Do you use a frame Carolyn? I have a wall hanging size quilt top and am considering trying hand quilting. Your video makes it look hard but worth trying! Thank you.
I use a hoop. Mine is on a stand, and can swivel round but for a first try, I would suggest an ordinary quilting hoop about 14″ across. This is what I take on holiday – and I find the most comfortable way to hold it is to lean the left hand side on a table or the arm of your chair, and the right hand side on your lap (assuming you are right handed). Wall hanging sounds a good size to try hand quilting – hope you enjoy it!
Thank you, now off to my LQS!
🙂
I love this method of quilting and it does become easier the more you do and an eye opener at just how much you improve overtime. A great video for those looking for a demonstration.
None of us are perfect when we start – so I’m glad it was useful to see the progress that is possible with a bit of patience!
What a really good videos! Calm, measured and exact. Thank you. I don’t think I am a hand Quilter, though I know many who are, body and soul.
Thanks – if you are more a machine girl, I have done some more videos – search on YouTube if you are interested.
Hi Carolne, what size needle do you use please?
Size 8 betweens. These are quite small but strong, which is what works for the rocking stitch, as you don’t need to move your hand up and down as far as you would with a longer needle. Some quilters use even smaller ones!
Thanks. Will see if I can order some. S x