Big Stitch Hand Quilting How To | Crystal Heart

[@oliviafox3605]

Thank you for taking the "mystery" out of what needle to use for hand sewing; so many other hand quilters talk about everything EXCEPT what needle to use!! You Rock!

[@crystalheartchannel]

Awesome! I’m so happy that it helped!

[@annettejohnston8653]

As a 30+ year quilter, I wanted to commend you on your video. I'm all about bringing new quilters into the fold, and by embracing the look of the Big Stitch, that's a plus in my books. One thing I can't help but add: string is a type of thread. Perle cotton is another type of thread. Sewing thread us another type of thread. Embroidery floss is another type of thread...see where I'm going? The other clarification is the smaller the number on the thread, the thicker the thread is. There's a lot to be said about thread, LOL. Needles are the same way, so the higher the number, the thinner the needle. You were absolutely correct to advise people to use a needle that the eye is large enough for the thread to pass through comfortably. You chose an embroidery needle. Generally for Perle cotton I use a chenille needle, just because it has a nice large eye. Anyway, congratulations on a fine video. I've really enjoyed it.😊

[@MsAmberSunshine]

Love your big stitch tutorial. Thank you for your kind words ❤ oh by the way, such a beautiful quilt that you’re working on. I’m gonna have to watch this video again because I’ve had to get up and move around do stuff and I’ve been listening, but I’m not been able to see if you show this whole cooked or not, but loving what I’ve seen of it so far, it is beautiful❤❤❤

[@maryinthemaking7211]

I like your attitude. Just enjoy and learn. You are a pleasure to listen to. ❤️

[@kivakarmen8628]

I love that you show various thread mediums and that you quilt without a hoop.

[@jazzyjoyce421]

This is helping me so much. I'm working on my first handstitched project and I'm getting better with my stitches. The start and finish were a problem until I saw your video. Thanks 😅

[@shirleystaats5857]

Thank you so much for the tutorial!! The best one I've seen yet! Love your quilt by the way!!❤

[@crystalheartchannel]

Thank you!

[@sabrinaherrin8177]

Thank you for the clear and helpful tutorial!

[@crystalheartchannel]

Thank you for watching!

[@LynneLeForge]

Thank you for this video! You’ve given me the encouragement to hand-quilt a quilt that’s been sitting in my cupboard for 26 years. My stitches won’t win any prizes, but I’m slowly improving. Besides, I’ll enjoy using this quilt when it’s finished. 😊

[@crystalheartchannel]

Awesome!! And we don’t care about perfect stitches, just finished stitches! Have fun!

[@veronicak2759]

Great information and such a pretty quilt. I had not known about those finger pads, will have to get some. I haven't hand quilted in years but am now interested in big stitch hand quilting. BTW, you have a beautiful smile, just adorable. You remind me of my granddaughter.

[@crystalheartchannel]

Awww thank you very much! ❤️

[@sandrastreifel6452]

Poke-a-dots is another brand to ask for!

[@cleonewible8108]

Good job Crystal and whoever gets this quilt will probably never notice a little stitch mistake and will love the quilt.and know the love that you put into it.

[@Serenity_Craft]

The thing you called thread conditioner is actually bees wax. It is very useful, and keeps the thread from tangling and twisting. I use it with all natural thread projects that involve hand stitching. Sometimes I need to rewax the thread after going part way through a project, but with the wax, I am able to use over a wingspan of thread with little or no tangles.

[@oliviafox3605]

OMG...the hidden knot technique is SOOOOO neat! Again, thank you so very much.

[@tinawilk2857]

I loved all the information you gave. I did not know what needle to use and how exactly to do Big Stitch. Thank you!

[@crystalheartchannel]

Awesome! Thank you for watching!

[@wooleygirl5240]

Very good video! I want to do big stitch quilting on a baby quilt, and with your good instructions, I am ready to go! Thank you so much. Pam Miller

[@crystalheartchannel]

Awesome!!

[@pattyglaviano3285]

What beautiful hand quilting you are doing! Thanks for your video. I'm hand quilting for the first time and appreciate your thoroughness in explaining how to do it.

[@crystalheartchannel]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@DeniseFiegel]

Finish is great. Thankbyou for coming backbto finish

[@marleneschmid6802]

Great job! Thank you for the info about the needle sizes and alternative threads!

[@MiLittleCorner]

Whether you decided on adding machine quilting to your quilt or not I'm sure it turned out beautifully. I think hand quilting makes for a softer and fluffier quilt but it all depends on personal preference. Your quilt is beautiful and your stitching is wonderful. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@crystalheartchannel]

Thank you for watching! If I remember correctly, I did not add machine stitches.

[@DeniseFiegel]

I just finished a quilt by hand and I wish I would of seen this first. You do a great job

[@crystalheartchannel]

Aww thank you!

[@santagreen7360]

Thanks so much for this clip ! You have inspired me. Your quilt has such beautiful colours and print patterns. Much love from Auckland, New Zealand ❤️❤️

[@crystalheartchannel]

Awesome!!. Thank you for watching!

[@conniesmith9989]

Hi. I didn't know about the T. Pads. Thank you for sharing.

[@carollee5522]

What a sweet baby quilt! I’ve just started hand quilting and have been looking for a way to protect my sore fingers. Thank you for sharing your tools and techniques! 👍🏻

[@bella-bee]

Love the sticky dot idea instead of thimble! And how your face lit up when you first said hello

[@bsquared9647]

Thank you for showing how to end your stitching, and mentioning/showing how you use your needle to work the knot down close to your cloth. I just tried that and it worked!

[@crystalheartchannel]

Awesome! Happy to help and thank you for watching!

[@vickijeanne9958]

I absolutely love your quilt! I do hand quilting and love your tutorial!

[@crystalheartchannel]

Thank you!!

[@adalouellis5706]

I love watching your hands. You do very nice work. Thank you for making this video. I liked and subbed. I am new to quilting but i love slow stitch and will look at ypur channel for any vids you may have. Thank you.

[@crystalheartchannel]

Thank you so much! 💜💜

[@carlahimmen2978]

Very pretty quilt! Love your color choices 😊

[@crystalheartchannel]

Thank you!

[@melissajenkins9960]

I had that leather thimble 20 years ago! I couldn’t get the hang of it either. I’ve heard of people using fabric bandages. I need to feel, too.. thimbles are so awkward! But yes your fingertips get SORE. I’m using the crochet thread with a chenille (?) needle, I’m sewing through an old denim quilt. I only tied it to a solid sheet of fabric with yarn ties. 15 years later… lots of the ties popped off and the blocks are tearing. So I’m going to do hand embroidery to tack the squares! You are the only person I’ve found that’s using practically the same materials and methods I want to use. I always do hand sewing while sitting on my bed, I don’t have floor space or a large table to set things on, and it’s just more comfortable, too. I also don’t want to put this raggedy quilt in a hoop, so I’ll be pinning and holding the quilt as I sew each patch! Thank you so much for this video ❤️

[@crystalheartchannel]

Thank you for watching! I literally like to do everything in the easiest way possible. Lol

[@melissajenkins9960]

@@crystalheartchannel yeah same 😂 so it’s nice to find people who have tutorials with simplicity! Thanks again!

[@karendavis-macon9658]

Thank you for being such a good teacher! I don't quilt, but always wanted to learn. Now I'm cross-stitch crazy!!

[@carlakaiser36]

THANK YOU so much for posting this video. I know nothing about sewing or quilting and decided to wing it and make a big stitch quilt. You just validated why my hands are aching so bad. I’ve been pinching the needle instead of pushing it w the thimble. Can’t wait to apply what I learned from you. Thank you!

[@crystalheartchannel]

It’s so nice to hear that my video will help! Once you get the thimble in action, you will love hand quilting!

[@eldalopez663]

You were brave to dig in making a full quilt.

[@Butterflyjonesful]

Love this. I am about to make a baby quilt for grand-baby #5. I want to do big stitch quilting on it. Thanks for sharing

[@suzzannedempsey6799]

Nice video. Gave me ideas on combining hand quilting with machine quilting. I like how you didn’t take out “less than perfect stitching “. I have lightened up on trying to be perfect by claiming all of my quilting as “folk art”.

[@crystalheartchannel]

Thank you for watching!

[@halfmade-homemade]

This is the video I needed! Thankyou! The quilt police for hand stitching stress me out, and I’ve never been able to figure out the ending knot trick. Thanks!

[@crystalheartchannel]

Awesome! Glad to help! ❤️

[@bonnielindsey8663]

Thank you. Very clear instructions. You did an excellent job of showing the knotting and pulling through process.

[@crystalheartchannel]

Thank you!

[@reneefreidin4813]

That's such a sweet baby quilt and the hand stitching looks so beautiful! I've recently been looking at Kantha quilting and Kawandi quilting. I'm definitely going to be trying the hand stitching just for the added texture. Great video and you don't need to add machine quilting, what you've done is perfect.

[@crystalheartchannel]

Thank you! I’ve been admiring Kantha and Kawandi quilting too! ❤️

[@vickitrevino9738]

I really liked your video! Im a quilter and this is a special way to finish one. Thank you!! 😊

[@kd9299]

Headed to your Instagram to see all of your quilts! Thanks for a great video! ❤️

[@crystalheartchannel]

Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@SusanDeSautel]

I always wanted to learn how to hand quilt. Thank you! I just "found" you today.

[@corneliastone1807]

I love the detail you give. I’m getting ready to do some big stitch quilting, and I needed this info. Thank you!

[@Sam_the_quilter]

just the thought of stitching with thick threads without a thimble / protective sticker (like you have), makes my fingers hurt haha :D. I do love love love love love the feel of a hand quilted quilt though. it's something special.

[@lindamacdonald5802]

Thank you! I appreciate your knowledge about thread and needles to use.❤

[@vwatts8738]

Quilting tip: when you take your needle to the back of your quilt, place the needle parallel to the back of your quilt, and a distance beyond where you want the needle to eventually come out. You then take your fingers that are holding the needle and slide the needle underneath your quilt back to the point where you actually want it to come out. Try that and see if that helps with even stitches and doing it this way I don’t get callous finger because I’m not poking myself. So just imagine you’re scraping the needle backwards to the point where you want it to eventually come back up. I hope this makes sense. Happy quilting!😊

[@crystalheartchannel]

Yes it does make sense! I will try that on the quilt I’m working on right now! Thanks! ❤️

[@DeniseFiegel]

Very wise for your age. I am 72 and I have learned alot today

[@crystalheartchannel]

Awww thank you!

[@Indigo6g]

Thanks for the great tutorial. I have always been a machine quilter, however, I've been exploring different ways to finish my quilts. Recently, I've used straight line quilt stitches and I have been curious about big stitch. Thanks again.

[@crystalheartchannel]

You’re welcome! I do enjoy machine quilting too. Hand quilting is relaxing for me though. Thanks for watching! ❤️❤️

[@tonizeni8758]

Wow. Love this. Great video. Thank you for the step by step. Enjoy your day🎈

[@crystalheartchannel]

Enjoy yours as well!

[@ginabethyoung3276]

Thank you! I have been quilting for a long time but now ready to big stitch. Your explanation was simple so will give it a try❣️

[@crystalheartchannel]

Awesome! You will love it!

[@maryg65]

Thank you for sharing your talent. I love your quilt. You are a inspiration. I think this is going to try on my quilt I just finish piecing.

[@crystalheartchannel]

Thank you! And you should! It will look great! ❤️❤️

[@carolynpoole7314]

I love the big stitch quilting!

[@Quiltycrazy]

Your quilt looks beautiful. I’m going to try this.

[@crystalheartchannel]

Thank you! ❤️

[@patriciamclaughlin7862]

You did a great job on this video! Clear & easy to follow. Thank you.

[@crystalheartchannel]

Thank you!

[@bettydanico2959]

Nice tutorial 😍❤️😍

[@crystalheartchannel]

Thank you!

[@AngelaOfRoseCottage]

Thank you Crystal! 🌼

[@ResaO]

I just started using the Thimble Pads a couple weeks ago and I luv them! I used to use the leather thimble but it’s so awkward until they are broken in and pliable. But the thimble pads are good to go. I’m surprised by how long they last! I’m definitely a fan.

[@crystalheartchannel]

Yes! Love thimble pads!

[@Silver_Stitcher]

I'm so happy to be here! I love this channel 😁🌼🦋 Great video, I love Big Stitch. Thank you for sharing this knowledge ❤️

[@crystalheartchannel]

Thank you for being here!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@hazelem1266]

Hi Chrystal. Glad I found your channel. I am a first time any kind of sewer. I started hand sewing in 2020 during the strict lockdowns and am making a quilt for my grandbaby who lives in South Africa. The longer the lockdown the bigger the quilt became so it’s currently queen size. I am a nurse and found hand sewing to be very relaxing. I have made a story memory theme on both sides. I will start putting the layers together in about a week. I am going to do big stitch quilting. Thank you very much for this video and thank you for showing the back side. I have found it informative and easy to follow. Greetings from Australia

[@crystalheartchannel]

Thank you for watching! I’m so happy it could help! Good luck with finishing your lockdown quilt! ❤️❤️

[@kimberlyjardine8634]

Just found your channel. Very nice!!

[@crystalheartchannel]

Thank you!

[@audreyjoyner535]

Thank you for sharing I really enjoy your video. I think I am going to try this out. You are a good teacher. Thank you again. Audrey Joyner

[@crystalheartchannel]

Thank you!❤️

[@julieb2479]

You are awesome. Thanks so much.

[@crystalheartchannel]

Thank you for watching!

[@shelleyserby8772]

Love this! Thank you for sharing. ❤

[@janejohnson1230]

Thanks so much for the video. It was perfect!

[@heatherh4455]

So enjoyed this! Thanks for sharing

[@crystalheartchannel]

Thanks for watching!

[@sharonginger2997]

Thank you that did help

[@wklilly1]

Lovely. Thank you!

[@JB-wu9dc]

I just found your channel and subscribed. You just answered many questions that I had about big stitch quilting. Especially about thread and needles. You called it shadow stitching . It looks very nice. My question is , will that be enough to hold the layers together without stitching all over. I love that look the shadow stitching gives. Thank you. Oh yeah, Go Saints, who dat.

[@crystalheartchannel]

Hi!…. Yes, it will hold all the layers together. Each type of batting has a different requirement for how close the stitches should be. Usually a few inches away is fine. I’ve never had a problem! Thanks for watching! Who Dat!

[@ptoves8181]

Just found your channel...subscribed! 😁

[@annphilbeck5174]

just subscribed from Virginia

[@crystalheartchannel]

Thank you!

[@eavesdroppin1]

I used Aunt Lydia's size 10 on a quilt and I could not get the double knot to go through the flannel back or the cotton front. It has been finished, however not the way I wanted. So on to the next! I might just try the thimble dots that you are using. I am used to a thimble whenever I sew, but my hands have gotten bigger (with age ..nice..) and my thimbles are not working as well. I have about everything available, except those. Thank for your lovely video!

[@conniesmith9989]

Also, cute quilt.

[@crystalheartchannel]

Thank you! ❤️

[@jeanettewithrow9641]

Are you gonna quilt the entire quilt by hand? I'm an older quilted and can't do hand quilting anymore due to arthritis. Your stitches looks good. The quilt is very pretty. The baby that's getting the quilt is very lucky

[@crystalheartchannel]

Thank you! Yes I will quilt the whole thing. For me that’s doable bc it’s a baby quilt. I haven’t tried anything much bigger than that yet. I’m sure you’ve quilted some beautiful quilts! ❤️

[@vwatts8738]

New subscribers. Loved your video I love big stitch. I tune joy using that round suede thimble pad. The quality of your video is so good. It’s so clear. Curious to know what camera you use. Thank you.

[@crystalheartchannel]

Thank you for subbing! In this video I was using my iPhone 12. Lol, nothing fancy.

[@alexiswalker531]

Hi Crystal..thumbs up on the “thumb pads”…I have used them for years…definitely saves wear and tare on the pushing finger. So my question is …I think I see you using a single strand of thread.… Is that right? Also on a larger quilt do you place safety pins or do some basting to keep layers together and keep them from shifting? And the third question is, when begin your quilt, do you start in the center and work your way out to avoid shifting? Thanks for the description of the threads. I did end up with a 12 white cotton from silky. It seems there are several choices. 😊

[@crystalheartchannel]

Hi!…. I use a single thread. Usually size 8. I’ve tried doubling it, and it was too thick for my liking. I also like the look of a single thread. On all of my quilts, I glue baste. I have a video on how I do that. It keeps anything from sliding at all. This way, I can start quilting anywhere on the quilt. I can see the benefit of starting at the center if you pin baste, but because I glue baste, I don’t have any shifting. Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@djammyam]

Love it ❤

[@Debbieormike]

Love this! ?why do you not go all the way thru to the back?

[@szelop]

She does go all the way through the back except for when she starts with a fresh piece of thread the knot is buried between the layers.

[@susanschoolcraft9989]

What do you use to sandwich before hand stitching? Fusible batting or the spray basting? I notice no pins

[@crystalheartchannel]

I glue baste with school glue. I have a video on my process.

[@qltygrl3187]

How do you estimate how much thread you will need? Do dye lots matter? Also how did you baste your quilt sandwich together?

[@crystalheartchannel]

One roll will be more than enough so I dont really worry about dye lots or if there is enough. I baste with school glue. I have a video on how i do it!

[@cathywestholt5324]

Do you think using regular hand quilting thread would work as well for the big stitch as well as the heavier thread?

[@crystalheartchannel]

It wouldn’t show up as a “big stitch” because the thread is much thinner. But would certainly work for hand quilting.

[@sheilawilliams2875]

I have tons of size 10 artiste thread. Do you like it for big stitch?

[@crystalheartchannel]

Yes, it works perfectly!

[@Debbieormike]

Oh I see that was just the first stitch with knott

[@sonyasmithart9085]

Wouldn’t it be easier to use a hoop or a frame .

[@crystalheartchannel]

Some people do. For me, it’s easier without.

[@philyawhomestead5279]

Sew cute