Hand Quilting WITHOUT a hoop on my lap

Let me show you how I hand quilt without a hoop or frame.

---------------------------------------------

* Affiliate code - this means I receive a small commission.
---------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------

♡ CONNECT WITH ME ♡

[eavesdroppin]

I am 78 and want to make sure that my 3 children have at least one quilt specifically made for them. So, I have now big-stitched hand quilted 2 and 3/4 quilts with #10 crochet thread because I don't feel like juggling a big quilt on my sewing machine. I also quilt without a hoop, although I made one in the 90's using that method. After making the quilt sandwich on a folding table I smooth out everything and clip it to the edge. Starting in the middle I use masking tape (1/4" or 1" or?) to mark the area I want to quilt. Then I apply small quilter's safety pins placed very close together. Here are a few things I've discovered. #1 - The thread is too thick to pull through the fabric nicely and I have back stitched instead which is not the best on the back if it can be seen (but I know it is secure). #2 - The back is sometimes not as smooth or secure as I would like, so periodically I check the back to be sure it is being quilted properly. #3 - Interestingly it does not take as long as I thought it would and has resulted in a more interesting quilt. I have 3+ boxes of DMC embroidery thread left over from my cross-stitch days, and I prefer the crochet thread as it is one piece. When I am finished with these quilts, I hope to try my hand using one of your ideas. Thanks for all of your videos!

[nancymabry]

So glad to see someone else who quilts without a hoop or frame! I always think I’m the only one, or that I’m doing it all wrong, by not using a frame. I also like your video, because it has no music. Plus your accent! Awesome! (I’m in Texas.) Oh! And a dog! Always a plus.

[inesgomara]

Oh wow I finally found you. You're a great teacher. ❤❤❤

[jeaninecoe]

Great video Rachel. I’ve been quilting for over 30 years now and I’ve always done it in the hand with small quilting needles. I was in a quilting group and they were very strict with how you did your quilting.😂 Times have changed through the years and it’s become more relaxed. As I’m getting older my fingers can’t handle a small needle.
Also I’ve also pulled my thread from the back to hide the knots then you can’t damage the front of your quilt.
Your quilt is beautiful and one day I might just be able to buy some liberty fabric and make one. It’s really expensive in Australia.
Take care and look forward to seeing more of your projects.

[lisamoseley]

Tip: When I use my bed for pin basting, I put my large cutting mat between the quilt and the bed so the pins have a firm surface. Then, I just slide the mat along the quilt as I go.

[NuckFamily]

Thank you for showing this so clearly and simply. You show what's needed in such a 'non-bossy' manner that it gives me confidence to believe that I can try this, even as a brand-new quilter!

[starrpatrick]

This seems like such a relaxing hobby. I think I’m becoming interested. I crochet a ton for markets. And hand quilting seems like something nice to do this winter for a market break.

[yvonnegregory]

Loved this video. One of my fondest memories is my Mama, Aunts in our LR quilting a quilt on a quilting frame in TN. I'm 79 & I love quilts!!!

[suesheehan]

I've made a quilt for my Mum for her 80th birthday & hand quilted it!... Thank you Rachel for your inspiration & showing me that patience is part of the process.😊

[annettejohnston]

Wonderful video that I'm certain will encourage new quilters to give handquilting a try. I've been a quiltervsince 1991 and adore my time handquilting. Here's something I discovered recently. I have a friend who uses 505 spray baste for all her quilts. She has lovely big tables she can lay a queen sized quilt on...what a gift! Anyway, we basted a big quilt with 505, I quilted about half the blocks then life got in the way and it was a year before I got back to it. Not one pin in it BUT I had ironed it (the quilt sandwich) prior to quilting. A year...or maybe even two later, it hadn't pulled away at all. So try ironing your quilt right now. You won't need those pins. Happy quilting!

[rebeccamorris]

This brought back such good memories of my Grandmother .

[deewinston]

Thank you Rachel. I am 74 and a new quilter. I am going to try hand quilting. Your quilt is just beautiful.

[annepearce]

Hi Rachel! I'm just enjoying my Saturday morning cuppa, having a dig around Youtube craft videos. I'm pleased to have found your channel! I love sewing, quilting, embroidery, knitting, crochet....all sorts of crafts. While I enjoy following channels from crafters worldwide for inspiration and motivation, it is really nice to find a channel from fellow Brit who shops in the same places I do I'll have to look out for some of that Hobbycraft coloured masking tape! Thanks for the great tutorial. I like hand quilting, but don't always like using a frame but was a bit unsure how things would work out 'frameless' on a big project. Clearly it's possible and works well! Thank you! (I've now subscribed to your channel too!)

[jeanbrooks]

You look so beautiful surrounded by your stunning quilt!!!! Love that dress on you. I also quilt in my lap no hoop. This was really good and simple instructions. Hopefully others will give it a go. It is so relaxing and peaceful. That back fabric is amazing, what is it called? I am still at the Alice book and am in the midst of several squares in a row that all have 16 - 1 1/2 inch squares sewn on corners around Very hard to keep straight and square. I do think I now know where I am going off so if you have any pointers please share them. Really nice video, this one. Jean Colorado USA

[lynnbean]

I've done a lot of sewing over the years but am relatively new to quilting. So far I've made 5 quilts and am on the 6th. I started off hand quilting as I didn't have a walking foot for my old Bernina but the last 2 I've machine quilted (managed to source a Bernina walking foot to fit a 40 year old machine lol). However, I definitely prefer hand quilting both the look of it and the process. I couldn't bear using a hoop - way too fiddly for me - so I lay the quilt on the dining table, put my cutting mat down so as not to scratch the table and off I go. It takes me about 2 weeks to quilt a queen sized piece. I'm happy with that as it's a very meditative process. Some really ;useful tips in this video thank you. I might even try quilting on my lap.

[julietnuttall]

Rachel I've just got to tell you how much I love your tutorials.
Your voice is so soft, you don't rush which for me is great as I need time to understand. I haven't actually started a quilt yet as I'm a little nervous but watching your tutorials is so easy. My husband bought me a sewing machine many years ago with a quilting kit ( not used yet)! Hopefully you'll give me the confidence to start!? 🙏 Juliet from Peterborough x

[RebeccaStokes-gt]

Excellent video! I've been hand quilting for 20+ years. I think your instructions are the best I've seen💕💕. Wish I had had this video when I first started quilting. Want to say also I think your quilt projects are beautiful. Thank you!

[kimbeck]

Perfect timing! I’m fixing to start to work on a quilt for best friend that belonged to her Husbands Great-Grandmother. It’s such an honor to have the opportunity to finish this for them.

[AHolmes-kd]

Just what I needed. Thank for demystifying hand quilting. I love your mild manner to.

[martinakopel]

This was very helpful. I also watch The Last Homely House. She got me started with hand quilting and she does not use a hoop but puts her quilt on a table. I’m going to try your method because I don’t have an old table to use.
Kate also said the stitches don’t need to be even.
Thank you!