Saturday, June 27, 2009

Can you help me with this?....

I am a hand quilter and the aim of hand quilting is to have tiny stitches close together. But for the quilt I am working on right now, I would like to try a different technique. I would love to add big stitches around the hearts and then my daughter is going to add words to the word heart bubbles. I bought pearl cotton because I think that is what you use, but my question is, how to you get the larger stitches uniform in size? Thanks!!



14 comments:

  1. Oh, Jane, I wish I could help! But I have never done that before. I do like the look however.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Try a longer needle like Starw or Milliners needle.
    Hope this helps, also look at some sashiko quilting (maybe google it)
    Those stitches are larger and even, yu might find some info on the net.

    cheers
    Christine

    ReplyDelete
  3. You probably already know that the larger the needle, the larger the stitch.

    But are you looking for something different than a simple outline or back or running stitch? If so, check out Mary Corbet's Needle 'n Thread website at http://www.needlenthread.com/ At the top of her sidebar, she has a link to her video library of stitches and has them organized by stitch type. The possibilities are endless and I'm sure you could pick up a new stitch fairly easily, being the talented and crafty lady that you are!

    I'm partial to the buttonhole or blanket stitch for outlines that you want to stand out or have a little different look than just a line.

    Make sure you show us what you end up doing with this!

    MGM

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh, I forgot to mention, chain stitch is also one of my favorites and the stitch I used on all the Irish Step dancing dresses I did. The embroidery link on my sidebar will show links to some picture posts and there is also a little video tutorial on chain stitch in there too.

    Have fun!

    MGM

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Jane, I love the long stitch look on some of my projects. I too had a difficult time to achieve that wonderful look. I also went to a Sashiko book (like Christine) but still couldn't get it right. I finally used some tiger tape and a straw needle with #8 perle cotton. Now I look for excuses to use big stitch! I can't wait to see your project, don't forget to show it. Good luck, Elaine

    ReplyDelete
  6. No comment Jane, sorry, I am not much help...but it sure will look cute.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm with you Jane...I too would like to know how to do this!!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Seems to me there is a tool out for scrapbookers that would work with what you're wanting to do. Like a ruler with little holes that you would poke a pencil through and mark for your stitches. ??

    ReplyDelete
  9. Jane, as you probably know, I have done a fair bit of big-stitch quilting - it's pot luck for me, just like in fine hand quilting. Oh, I'm a lap quilter so don't use a hoop - maybe the old adage 'practice makes perfct'! Good luck!
    Hugs - Lurline♥

    ReplyDelete
  10. There is a product called Tiger Tape that you can put around your object and gauge your stitch according to the printed lines on the tape.

    It's really hard for me to explain, go here to see it!

    http://www.clotilde.com/detail.html?prod_id=7596&criteria=tiger+tape

    You can get a 30yd roll for under $7.00

    ReplyDelete
  11. No help here I'm afraid, but I love the look of it and the idea! It's going to be great. Funny that we went from perfecting tiny stitches to trying to do big stitches... so funny...

    ReplyDelete
  12. My first thought was the Tiger Tape and since it has already been mentioned, I'll just say good luck! And let us see it when you do it. :-))

    ReplyDelete
  13. I've seen some very nice quilts with the long running stitches. I guess it would be a practice makes perfect. You could mark all the stitches like suggested or you can be a rebel and make them all different lengths. I guess it's what look you are going for.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I want to know this too. I'm going to see if comments give a clue. I've always wanted to do that.

    Ok I'm back. I read your comments. Tiger tape or the thing Jodi mentioned.

    So I'll let you be my guinea pig.

    ReplyDelete

I always love to hear your thoughts!