Hand Quilting - The Backside Stitching
by Deanna
I recently completed a Sunbonnet Sue quilt and was quite happy with the results. When I first started the quilt, my stitches were 9 per inch. As I continued, my stitches became smaller, 12 per inch. Other than that the stitches are even and clean. When I turned over the quilt, I was very disappointed in the stitching on the back. The smaller stitching looks great but the 9 per inch stitching looks terrible. Some of the stitches look to be about 1/8" long. Because I like to compete in county and state fairs will this be a strike against me? ANSWER Hand quilting takes time, patience and a lot of practice. You can get away with little imperfections if the quilt is "for your eyes only." But, if you're going to submit it to a contest, your stitches must be in professional form. Perhaps you need to practice more, or maybe you need to use a thinner batting. I know it's hard to hear this. But the truth is, many "expert" hand quilters attend these shows. Not only that, but the competition is fierce, and the judges will scrutinize every minor detail. In hand quilting, it's not the stitch size that matters, it's the consistency. You might sew 12 stitches per inch. But, if your stitches are different lengths, you have a problem. Counter that to a quilter who sews 8 stitches per inch. Her stitches are longer, but she makes certain each one is identical in length. Do you see the difference? This is how you win points from the judges. Take home point: Make sure your hand quilted stitches are even and consistent on both sides of your quilt. Yes, the judges will examine the backside too! Here's a few more tips. Check both sides of your quilt for visible knots or thread tails. If you do find stray threads, work them through the top layer of fabric. Then bury the thread inside the batting. Finally, look for any pleats, puckers, folds or other distortions. Thanks for your hand quilting question. I hope this information helps. |
