It just occurred to me that I have never actually been taught how to make the quilting stitch. I've just read about it and looked at pictures. I don't think I have even watched any one quilt. This is the ULMER frame that I am using..JPG)
In my previous posting I mentioned that my fingers were sore. I am right handed, so I use the right hand for the needle. I put the left hand under the quilt. I insert the needle straight into the quilt, until I feel it in the index finger of my left hand. As soon as I am sure the needle has gone all the way through, I rock it back with the right hand while pushing up from underneath with my left hand index finger. In this manner I try to get several stitches on the needle before pulling the thread though. You can see in the photo why my finger is sore. I am obviously doing something wrong, other than not wearing a thimble on the index finger of my left hand. Aren't I? I have tried to use a thimble. It won't stay on, and even if it did, I could not feel the needle to be sure it went all the way through the three layers.How do you all do it?
9 comments:
I don't use anything on my hand under the quilt either. My fingers look like yours until I get a callous built up. First the pads of my fingers get tender, then I turn my finger a bit and the side gets tender. I do not use a thimble on my right hand either, choosing to use a 'paddle' thimble. If you go to my blog, I have a photo of it.
Um...is that a Mission-style chair you are sitting in to quilt?
I forgot to mention that in some quilt notions you can find little pads that stick to the fingers on the underside of the quilt. I tried them, but you can't feel the needle when it comes through the quilt.
Oh my Tom!!! Who knew quilting was such a dangerous "sport"!!
(((hugs)))
Sherry, I guess the chair is a mission style. It's dark green leather, and very comfortable. Course I sit on the front edge of it to quilt; all the whilt listening to the TV.
I also think quilting is just as dangerous as wood carving...
Two fingers, middle and index on the left hand look like yours most of the time. I also use a paddle thimble. I hate anything on my finger!
This is exactly why I have quilts stacked up waiting. When I lived in Lancaster, Thursday was quilting day in the barn. When you have 12 ladies rotating you can finish a quilt in a day, not so with one person.
Yep, you look like you are doing fine! You have the quilting finger down pat!
When I quilt, my fingers look the same way. I simply can not use a thimble either. Just can`t find one I am comfortable with.
Oh I feel your pain! I was machine quilting free motion today and my finger got in the way. The needle went right through my finger to the other side. Ouch!
I need to try hand quilting lol!
Lynn
Ah, Tom, I feel your pain!!!!!!!!
Seems we're all a part of the walking wounded. Ok, well sitting, quilting wounded. I to use a thimble on top, nothing on the bottom. I'd like to master using a thumb thimble as well so I can quilt forwards and backwards faster and easier. Someday......
Chris
Thanks for the comments! I think I'll go hang out at the local quilting shop and check out the fingers of everyone. Those that have fingers that are not shredded, I'll ask how they hand quilt. Maybe they don't!
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