Hand Quilting

Now that you have all of the tools you need quilting thread, thimble, quilt hoop or frame, and most importantly the quilt you are ready to begin.

Thread your needle with a strand of thread about 20-24 inches long. Usually it works best to thread the needle just as the thread comes off of the spool. Tie a small knot in the end of the strand just a single thread (not a double thread as you would use to sew a button).

Next step is to decide where you will start your quilting stitches. Once you have figured that out, bury your needle about 1 away from where you would like to start. Feed the needle between the layers of the quilt and bring the point of the needle up where you want to begin quilting. (The goal here is to bury your knot inside the layers of the quilt.) Pull the needle all the way through the quilt top, then give a gentle tug. The knot should slide right through into the center of the quilt. If it doesnt, just play with it. Sometimes I tug on the thread with my fingers while securing the fabric with my needle. If your knot is small enough, it will go through the weave of the fabric.

Check the end of the thread past the knot. If it...