The quilt top is completed. You are ready to make the quilt sandwich and finish your project. Do you quilt by hand or by machine? The beauty of a hand quilted project is unique. An art that is almost lost in some parts of America, hand quilting will give you a satisfaction like no other.

This decision – to hand quilt or machine quilt -- can make or break the quality of your finished piece. Both types of quilting require a set of skills which the beginner needs to learn. A master quilter, a fabric shop, or a community center may offer quilting classes.

Well worth the time and effort, the classes will answer questions on how to quilt (large frame or portable hand frame) and what type of stitch (running or hybrid rocking stitch) the quilter should use. The instructor will also advise you on what kind of thread (100% cotton thread, single strand)to use and help you practice the mechanics from material selection to finish.

Besides the skill level of the quilter, the type of fabric used might make machine preferable. Loosely woven fabrics may not respond well to hand quilting, with threads separating and causing an uneven appearance. Blends may be too tight to effectively hand quilt, making a good, tidy stitch impossible. Also fabrics which tend to stretch if handled may gain better stability if machine quilted.

Obtain the instruction to know how to make those tiny, fine stitches. Hand stitch on a practice quilt until you have acquired the necessary skill to make those nice, even stitches. Uneven or skipped stitches, puckers or knots may ruin the look of an otherwise fine project. Slow, steady work is required.