Lap quilting hoops. Good or not?

I don't use a hoop or frame at all! I simply baste rather closely, and then proceed to hand-quilt. The compromise, of course, is that for bed-sized quilts I do the quilting in pieces no larger than 3' square, and then assemble them when all of the pieces are quilted. To assemble the pieces I quilt to about an inch from the edge, trim up the batting so it butts together, fold the quilted pieces right side together, hand-stitch the seams with the 1/4" seam allowance, and then flip the quilt over and work on the back. For the quilt backs that does mean seams, but I make that a part of the design so a quilt is reversible. Backing is often a complimentary color (and I have wide choices since I don't give fabric width a thought), and then I use white or other color for strips of sashing over the seams. If I use white for the backing I repeat the binding fabric for the sashing over the seams. During the hand-piecing and hand-quilting I can take it with me when I travel, and decide how much I might have time to do, add a bit more "just because it might rain", and pop it into a tote bag along with a small kit of tools and some thread.

Thanks for that, but as I do wholecloth quilts rather than patchwork I don't have that option.

I do like to take things along with me when I go places though. However, I am rarely having to carry things far as I take stuff by car.

I agree with you, though, I like my quilts to be completely reversable. I don't rate with those that reckon on 70% stitiches on the other side to be the norm. I require equal, otherwise it doesn't work.

Doing the quilt in-hand is an option for sashiko, but for me the best stitches come with a hoop.

Thanks for your responses, Nel (Gadget Queen)

I've never used a hoop or frame either.

Best regards, Michelle > It has been awhile, but I used to quilt as you go squares and just baste

I have the Grace hoop 2 - it's square. I love it. It lifts the weight of the quilt up off of me so I find I can quilt longer. I used to use a plain hoop but it got heavy and cumbersome at times. The lap hoop spins and tilts so it's easy to get the positioning you like for quilting.

Also, the one I have has a hole that holds a lamp. So nice to have light right where you are working!

marcella

Thanks! I do love them, especially when my mom makes them and I can just stand and eat them hot with butter :-)

marcella

I see some folks here who don't use hoops, and see others in magazines. I'm one of those who absolutely has to have a hoop or frame for everything, no matter how stiff or stable the foundation. I have used a handheld hoop to do the little hand quilting I've done so far in my brief quilting career, and was very happy with it. It feels just like doing embroidery in a hand held hoops, which I do tons of, so it felt quite natural.

I'd love to try a roller quilting frame. I use a roller frame for some of my cross-stitch and needlepoint, and it has some advantages.

But the best advantage of a handheld hoop is the portability. I always have some small needlework project going that I work a hoop, with a small box of the necessary floss and notions that I can grab when I want to carry something with me.

I do not aspire to carry quilting with me -- EXCEPT if I can meet up with some of my new quilting friends here and at the local guild. I can imagine having large carrier for the quilt sandwich and notions, to carry with me with a large quilting hoop. I cannot imagine carrying my SM to such a meeting, because it's an oldie made of cast iron and steel and weighs a good many pounds.

ep

Howdy!

12" round, wooden hoop works for me for all size quilts. The bulk of the quilt can be draped over the arm of the chair or sofa, or even on the table (the Columbine Qlt, 11'x11'), while the work surface is in the hoop. I tried floor frames; they're okay, but I just don't want to be hunched over any more than I have to be. The 12" hoop goes everywhere, and is content to stay at home, too. I have several, picking up a "nice" one when I see it. Some are too heavy, some have too large a tightening piece (big block of wood w/ heavy metal bolt & wing nut). Don't like the extra baggage that comes w/ the lap frames, sit on it, lean over it, readjust it, more lumps & bars to get in the way. It helps to test-drive quilt hoops; sometimes the vendors at quilt shows will offer a variety to try-before-you-buy. My favorite was made in Germany (bought 20 yrs ago in a small local shop); it doesn't travel, I won't risk losing it. btw, I keep a true-light lamp on the floor in most rooms; it shines over my shoulder for the best quilting light, never gets hot. Good luck!

R/Sandy - professi> I see some folks here who don't use hoops, and see others in magazines. I'm

Thanks, that's really good food for thought.

Those lumps and bumps don't half get in the way, and I don't need any more *luggage*.

It seemed like a good idea for a while, but you're quite right, in the end less is definately more.

Think I'll dump the idea and carry on as before. But it's always a good thing to keep an open mind... until my brains fall out! ;)

Nel (One-less-gadget Queen)

Piping in late here so excuse me if I'm off what it was. I used to hand quilt everything. Without a hoop. Didn't know there was such a thing. Actually in the beginning I didn't even know about quilting frames. But eventually when I learned I tried a couple different hoopes. While I found they help avoid buckles or pinching fabric under neath. I was not happy with having to move the frame all the time. I think my quilting speed went quicker. But it really annoyed me to stop when I was on a roll and move the frame. So I gave it up. Just my two cents. Joanna

Sartorresartus wrote: