Hand quilting is the art of joining three layers of fabric together (top decorative layer, middle batting layer and bottom fabric layer) to form a wall hanging, bed cover, or article of clothing by using a needle, thread and thimble. The thimble is to protect your fingers from punctures as the quilting needle is very sharp on both ends. Quilting needles are known as “betweens” and are very short, their sizes running between 7 and 12. The higher the number is, the shorter the needle is. Quilting thread is a heavy gage (thicker than machine thread) and is usually coated with wax or silicone to make it slide through the layers more easily.

Quilting can be decorative or functional. If the top layer is very complicated, it is best to use a simple quilting pattern, but if the top is a solid color, then fancy quilting patterns will be shown off to better advantage. Another method of hand quilting, called Trapunto, outlines the figures sewn into the top layer. The quilting pattern is generally drawn onto the back of the quilt with a chalk pen or washable fabric pen. The actual quilting stitch is a simple running stitch sewn through all 3 layers. Small projects can be sewn freehand, but larger project usually benefit from a quilting hoop or frame to keep the layers from shifting.

Once the 3 layers have been sewn together around the outside edges, the pattern is transferred to the quilt. The area you want to work on is placed in the hoop or frame loosely. Thread a quilting needle with a single strand of quilting thread and begin sewing, using a running stitch through all 3 layers. The knots should be hidden between the layers from the back. Many quilters belong to groups called bees, where each person works on a different area of the quilt. In Amish country and in Colonial times, this was an acceptable way for women to socialize and was very popular.