Monday, September 24, 2012

Tips for Hand Quilting


I just had a lady email me wanting some advice on hand quilting. She was having some difficulty and hoped that I would be able to give her some tips and shed some light on how to hand quilt without breaking the needle.

She wrote " Just wondering if you could help me. I am hand quilting using Luixins small quilting needles but keep snapping them. Yesterday I snapped 4 in a matter of minutes. Any suggestions?"

Those of you who hand quilt will know that quilting needles are very short in length and are fine. When I first started hand quilting I used any old needle I had lying around, I was totally ignorant and as a result my hand quilting was very average, the stitches were on the large side and I could never get the stitching on the back to look any good. As time passed I was fortunate to attend a workshop that changed my hand quilting style forever. You can read about the hand quilting  technique I learned by clicking here

I came to understand that the needle used for hand quilting is important and that I fine needle is a must.

Which takes us back to the question at hand "How do I stop my quilting needle from breaking?"
Here are the hand quilting tips that I sent back to her:

 There are a few reasons why your needle would be breaking:
- your batting is too thick for hand quilting, a thin cotton or bamboo batting is recommended
- your backing is too thick, a light weight good quality 100% cotton fabric is recommended
- do not quilt through the seam, hand quilt 1/4" from the seam line or diagonally through blocks
- incorrect technique, not taking the needle up straight before punching through all layers,
before forming the stitch.



I hope that these hand quilting tips have also been helpful for you and that you can now tackle your next hand quilting project with confidence.
Warmly Lenna


Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Free quilt blocks - Autumn Block Party at Quilting Gallery



Today is the day to reveal my free block for the Autumn block Party over at Quilting Gallery, and you're invited to join in on the fun.

How does this work?

Michele from the Quilting Gallery explains: "Over the next 15 weeks, 45 fabulously talented designers will be making 12" blocks and tutorials for you to make. You can pick and choose which blocks you want to make. In addition to the blocks, there will be Super Deals for Quilters from our favourite online retailers. Be sure to check each designer’s post, as many will also be offering give-aways on their own site that everyone can enter.
Visit the Block Party Headquarters for more info and upload your completed blocks to the Flickr group."

When the lovely Michele invited me to be one of the designers I eagerly accepted. A tree in Autumn with a Bluebird hovering above immediately came to mind and here it is.

Tree in Autumn Block

Click here to download this free block
 Helping Hand Tutorial

Trace the pattern onto the right side of your chosen fabric. Turn the pattern over and trace a mirror image of the tree onto the fusible webbing.Turn the pattern back to the right side and trace the shapes for the Bluebird and each leaf shape. Remove the backing paper and arrange the shapes onto the background fabric so that they match the drawn pattern outline.



I used six different fabrics for the leaves, arrange these fabrics evenly around the branches.

 Use one strand of embroidery floss to applique each shape in place using
a Blanket stitch.

Take a few minutes to watch a video I have put together for you, I share a tip which will save you heaps of time when working Blanket stitch. Keep the video playing to watch some of my other videos.

Once your applique is complete, trim back your centre panel and sew on the buttons.
Lastly, cut your borders strips and sew to your centre panel.
Press seams away from the centre.

 Your block is now complete.

If you have enjoyed making this block you will be thrilled to know that I have lots of other free patterns, helpful video tutorials and inspirational ideas for you over at my
Stitching Cow website.

Click here to visit the freebie section now

My designer profile and the Quilter's Super Deal of the day are on the
Quilting Gallery website.
Visit the Quilting Gallery here

You may want to check out the other fabulous designers of the
Autumn block party this week.

 Tuesday, Sept. 4th
Pat Sloan
Http://blog.patsloan.com

Wednesday, Sept. 5th
Benita - Victoriana Quilt Designs
http://www.victorianaquiltdesigns.com/

Hope you have fun stitching your way through these blocks.
My youngest daughter has claimed mine for her bedroom.
Warmly Lenna

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