The Art of Hand Quilting: Rediscovering Traditional Techniques
January 8, 2025
Hi!
This week, we thought we’d take a quick look at Hand Quilting. It’s still on my quilt-making ‘bucket list’ to quilt an entire wholecloth quilt by hand, and whilst I’ve dabbled with hand quilting previously, I have decided to give this a better ‘go’ this year, and practice this skill more, so that at some point I will be able to confidently tackle a full sized wholecloth quilt by hand. (And my still-to-be-finished hexie temperature quilt from last year might be a lucky candidate to start with this year!)
Hand quilting is more than just sewing—it’s an art form steeped in tradition.
Each stitch connects us to generations of quilters who came before us, blending patience, skill, and creativity to craft something beautiful and enduring. In today’s fast-paced world, hand quilting offers a slower, more intentional way to create. Whether you’re new to quilting or looking to deepen your skills, let’s explore the tools, techniques, and joys of hand quilting.
Why Hand Quilting?
Hand quilting is perfect for those who enjoy a more meditative approach to crafting. There’s something deeply satisfying about feeling the needle and thread move through the fabric, knowing that every stitch is uniquely yours. Plus, hand-quilted projects often carry a special warmth and personality that machines can’t quite replicate.
Essential Techniques to Master
1. The Running Stitch
This is the bread-and-butter of hand quilting. It’s a simple in-and-out motion used to create straight or gently curved lines, or even more detailed motifs.
How to Do It:
1. Thread your needle and tie a small knot at the end.
2. Insert the needle through the fabric and into the batting from the top, and pull gently to busy the knot between the fabrics, in the middle of the quilt.
3. Push the needle back down a short distance away to form your first stitch.
4. Continue this process, aiming for even spacing between stitches.
Tip: Practice on a scrap quilt sandwich or small project to get comfortable with the rhythm and spacing.
2. The Rocking Stitch
Once you’re confident with the running stitch, the rocking stitch is your next step. This technique lets you load multiple stitches onto the needle in one motion, speeding up the process.
How to Do It:
1. Start in the same way as for the running stitch, and hold the needle at a slight angle and push it through all fabric layers.
2. Without pulling the thread through, rock the needle back up through the layers a short distance away.
3. Repeat this motion to “load” several stitches onto the needle before pulling the thread through.
Tip: Use a thimble on your pushing finger to protect it and provide leverage.
3. Quilting in a Hoop
Using a quilting hoop helps stabilize your fabric, making it easier to maintain even tension and neat stitches.
How to Do It:
1. Choose a hoop size appropriate for your project (12”–18” hoops are great for most quilts).
2. Place the fabric and batting layers inside the hoop, tightening the outer ring to secure them.
3. Adjust the fabric so it’s taut but not stretched.
Tip: Position the hoop comfortably on your lap or a stand to prevent strain. You may find a hoop on a stand works better for you, as it takes the weight of the quilt off your lap, and frees up both hands to make your quilting stitches.
Tools You’ll Need
Thimbles: Protect your fingers and make it easier to push the needle through fabric layers. Experiment with metal, leather, or silicone styles to find what feels best.
Needles: Look for quilting needles (also called “betweens”). They’re short and sturdy, ideal for small, precise stitches. Having said that, other quilters prefer longer needles for better control. As always, experiment and see what works best for you.
Thread: Use high-quality cotton or polyester thread. You can use cotton quilting thread, which is a thicker thread, or other quilters use perle thread for it’s strength and huge range of colours. For beginners, a contrasting thread color can make it easier to see your stitches.
Marking Tools: Chalk pencils, water-soluble pens, or hera markers work well for tracing your quilting design.
Fabric and Batting: Opt for soft but sturdy cotton fabrics and lightweight batting, which is easier to hand stitch through. Many prefer a wool batting as it can be easier for hand quilting. Likewise, batik fabrics are not a great choice for hand quilting, as the tightly woven fabric can make hand quilting tricky. Choosing the right fabric is key to a successful project. High-quality quilting cotton is an excellent choice because it’s durable and easy to work with.
The Meditative Joy of Hand Quilting
One of the greatest gifts of hand quilting, (like piecing by hand) is the mindfulness it brings. As you stitch, you enter a rhythm that quiets your mind and allows you to focus solely on the task at hand. It’s a wonderful way to unwind after a busy day or carve out time for self-care.
Hand quilting aligns beautifully with the slow stitching movement, which emphasizes enjoying the process rather than rushing to the finish line. It also provides a connection to tradition – by hand quilting, you’re honoring the techniques and patience of quilters from past generations. And perhaps one of the best results from hand quilting a project is the sense of accomplishment it gives.
Tips for Success
Start small: Try mini quilts or runners or wallhangings to practice your stitches before tackling a full-sized quilt.
Use good lighting: Hand quilting can be detailed work, so make sure your workspace is well-lit to avoid eye strain.
Take breaks: Hand quilting is a physical activity. Pause to stretch your hands and shoulders regularly. Get up and move around too.
Join a community: Find a local quilting guild or online group to share your progress, learn new tips, and get encouragement.
Hand quilting is a timeless craft that allows you to slow down and savor this creative process. Whether you’re stitching for yourself, or for a gift, or even creating an heirloom to pass down, each project is a labor of love, and we do it ultimately for the enjoyment it brings us.
So, grab your needle and thread, and discover (or rediscover) the joy of hand quilting, and maybe add it to your list of skills to enbrace this new year.
Happy quilting!
4 responses to “The Art of Hand Quilting: Rediscovering Traditional Techniques”
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Hi Jodi. I love hand quilting and have over the years done lots of it. Each quilt has its own charm made more lovable by the hand work. My Machine quilts are fabulous too and I enjoyed the challenge but the peace comes with gentle stitching by hand. Thanks for all the info and I hope lots of inspiration is happening out there in quilting world. Cheers Doris
Don’t ever use polyester thread. This is plastic and breaks down after twenty years or so. It is also miserable to work with,it keeps shredding after a few stitches.
I have replaced thread in two quilts from 1960s and 70s when everyone thought polyester was the great new thing. Use treated cotton hand quilting thread only.
I used to hand quilt all the time. I think I will try it again. It really makes it more “real”. Thanks for reminding me.
Pins. Quilting pins in particular. You need to pin your layers together to prevent the layers from shifting or bunching.