Hand quilting techniques for beginners (on perle cotton) | Sarah Fielke Craftsy Quilting Tutorial

Sarah shares smart hand quilting techniques in this short clip. To learn more from this fabulous hand quilting and step-down piecing pioneer, visit www.craftsy.com/ext/YT_181_4 and check out Big Techniques from Small Scraps, Sarah Fielke's online quilting class on Craftsy!
Follow Craftsy
---------------------
/ quiltingclub
/ quilting
/ becraftsy
About Sarah Fielke:
-------------------------------
The author of three books, including Material Obsession and Quilting: From Little Things, Sarah creates vibrant designs that appeal to both modern and traditional quilters.
About Big Techniques from Small Scraps:
---------------------------------------------------------------
Playful, colorful, improvisational and just plain fun! That's how Sarah Fielke's fans describe her quilt designs. In Big Techniques from Small Scraps, this Aussie quilter makes six small, scrappy quilts that combine traditional techniques with updated fabrics and a fresh design sensibility. Try something different, like deconstructed piecing, or learn a new skill, like needleturn appliqué. Create Sarah's designs or jump off and do them your own way. It's all good fun!
What You'll Learn
- Step-down piecing
- Appliqué curves and points without templates or pins
- Hand quilting with perle cotton to add dimension
- Deconstructed piecing
- Using the 60-degree ruler and Dresden wedge

[@jamigraycemullendore6365]

Everything about this tutorial is great. Sarah breaks down the hand quilting process into small, simple to understand concepts. She clearly explains the how and why, which is vey important. I feel like I’m sitting with a friend, when I’m watching her teach. I am an accomplished machine quilter but long to have something I can take with me - free me from the machine - and decided to restart some hand quilting. Thank you Sarah for creating this video; I’ll surely watch it several times and then start my process.

[@StacyHames]

I needed to hand quilt some vintage blocks made by a friend's grandmother because the fabric was fragile. I hadn't hand quilted anything in 25 years. This tutorial was a lifesaver. So clear and so many crucial tips! I had so much fun doing that project that I'm hand quilting another one just because I want to.

[@CraftsyYouTube]

Wonderful!

[@carolneish9580]

Definitely the best finish on a quilt. That's where the love is it's all in the hand quilting x

[@justinerogers1353]

Thank you so much. You've inspired me to hand quilt. I am going to quilt using a fabric (not something I've 'patchworked') to give me a soft introduction to hand quilting. Your video was clear and easy to follow, thank you.

[@deborahgiles8214]

I tried big stitch quilting with size 8 perle cotton on a baby quilt recently and and am completely in love with the process. Already quilting a second and have several more quilts lined up to hand quilt!!

[@pushpaellis3333]

Love it, thank you Sarah!

[@OphelieLechat]

I’ve watched so many hand quilting tutorials but hadn’t realized that I needed a quilting hoop, not just a big embroidery hoop. No wonder I was getting so frustrated! Thank you for the guidance.

[@janets132003]

It's been 40 years since I quilted, that's for the tips!

[@carolschobs1183]

I have been watching many videos on how to hand quilt (I don’t wish to machine quilt) and this is by far the best video yet, thank you. When I start I shall let you know how it goes. From Carol in the UK

[@ManderBlues]

This is, hands down, the best tutorial I've ever seen for hand quilting. Thank you, thank you! I'm totally inspired.

[@ruthiedavis1163]

I found this video in 2019 and am extremely grateful to have found it. It is now in my favorite site. Now I feel that I will be able to hand quilt. Thank you for the time and effort you put into teaching those of us who have been afraid to try this.

[@graceelizabeths1]

Thanks for the video. I too think hand quilting is a nicer look than machine quilting. I have not ever heard of using pearl cotton. I love this idea and will try it soon! I'm knitting socks right now.

[@covid-19inthistogether96]

This is the ABSOLUTE BEST tutorial I"ve ever seen on hand quilting and I've watched many from so called famous hand quilters! Thank you so much!

[@louisemaher2688]

The best hand quilting tutorial I've seen. Thank you

[@VeraKeefer-ig4lf]

Yes I am going to try it. Really enjoyed your presentation. You made it interesting and pleasurable. I am going to do some research to understand why perle cotton thread is preferred. My Mother used perle cotton many years ago to complete embroidered/cut work tablecloths for my sister and I. She just liked the look of the finished piece. Thank you for creating the video and I am sure I will be reviewing several times. 💜💜💜

[@gbyrd1970]

New subscriber here! I'm 51 and am about to start my very first quilt. I plan to do it all by hand, so you'll be hearing from me! Lol

[@cynthiaesquibel3191]

I'm brand new to quilting, and I've had the devil of a time to find teachers like you...everything is mostly machine quilting..just recently have I found ladies like you to teach and encourage people like me who want to do "real quilting"! You, and the ladies like you, are MY inspiration..this is an art form and shouldn't be lost! I, for one, cannot wait to complete my first quilt- including the hand quilting - this will be my big winter project! I live in Maine, health problems prevent me from doing much outside during winter, so I usually have some projects going on. I'm just now planning my very 1st quilt, so all winter I'll be able to work on this new skill! Thank you, Sarah!

[@jod6228]

I wish I had watched this BEFORE I started hand-quilting my first baby quilt! I feel like I now have a foundation to help me keep hand quilting. Thank you!

[@sw-ohiolakers2670]

I hand quilted my first quilt 35 years ago (it wasn't very good...) and then I just started using the machine for everything. Recently I got out that old quilt and realized how much I enjoyed hand quilting that and I'm ready to do another one by hand. This tutorial will help me do a much better job this time. (Isn't the internet great?) Thank you!

[@jennapalmieri4658]

Oh my gosh, I swear I've watched a hundred hand quilting videos and this is the first one where the tying off at the end actually made sense. Thank you!!

[@diannamyers6629]

Easy to understand, all the information needed is given. Thank you. Now I feel I can do a good job quilting. Thank you.

[@janetehoffman]

You have a lovely way of teaching your audience. No frantic voice or movement! Thank you so much.

[@juliaofhamburg]

I love this tutorial and watched it several times. I’m going to hand quilt my „Coming Home“ Quilt. Thank you so much, Sarah! 🌸🌷🍀

[@CraftsyYouTube]

You are so welcome!

[@kimware9920]

Thank you for your very detailed tutorial. You have inspired me to give hand quilting a go!

[@crazydog8287]

This is the first time that hand quilting has made sense. Thank you! Great tutorial!!

[@jillboyce3526]

Thank you Sarah. Fantastic tutorial. You’ve inspired me to finish a quilt I started hand quilting many years ago. 😊

[@mrsd3023]

Oh Sarah I have just discovered your video for hand quilting and it is fantastic! You really have taken away the apprehension (FEAR) and showed just the joy of this relaxing stitch. Thank You! You are very funny, too! I like the posture joke about sitting like you are about to breastfeed! Ha Ha! Well I’m off to commence hand quilting The Sarah Way!

[@star2705]

Thank you for the tutorial! It was very clear and easy to follow, and the music made it feel like Stardew Valley asmr.

[@kimberlyhaney4973]

Making the hill has so improved my stitches! Thank you ❤️

[@rondaclements1465]

Love hand quilting so relaxing. Reminds me of simpler life, away from hustle and bustle.

[@jimyoung1479]

Even if I’m 8 years too late, thanks for posting this video. It explained hand quilting better than any I’ve seen. I will probably watch it more times. I’m 78 and have been quilting for only about 8 years. Looking forward to learning how to do this!

[@944gemma]

You’ve definitely inspired this old hand quilter to try big stitch quilting. Great video. Just plain great.

[@robertacaruthers7568]

I wanted to get back into hand quilting for some smaller projects, but was pretty sure I couldn't do the tiny stitches anymore. This video was exactly what I needed to feel confident again. Thank you.

[@denisespies1757]

Yassss!!! I Finally got it!!! Best tutorial evar!!!

[@susanwilliams1511]

I've been hand quilting for abaut a year and wish I had seen this before starting. Lots of good tips but I especially liked the way you tied off the end from the top. I simply could not get it the way I saw people do it i the back. Trying it tomorrow! Thanks so much.

[@lindsayschilling8707]

Thank You, Sarah! I've been wanting to learn hand quilting; a great time to practice is while watching TV in the evenings with my husband. I can not just sit and watch tv; my hands MUST be busy (I've heard this from many other women as well). Pssst, if I have some kind of handwork, I'll be concentrating on it rather than tv. Many thanks❣🎄🎅

[@sharronyeates1255]

Love the way you teach. Think that this is the way I will go. Thanks😀👍

[@gateway4582]

I love that quilt behind you. It looks like flowers.

[@sarahfielke4545]

Thank you, that’s my Night Garden quilt from my book Quilting From Little Things

[@stepinthyme]

I got hooked on big stitch quilting last year. It’s now my way to to quilt. There is nothing like the feel of a quilt done by hand!

[@stitchinnbitchinyall9511]

I love it too! Very therapeutic!

[@JaneEMcLernon]

Finally! A hand quilting tutorial that has inspired me to give it a go!

[@susieannei5641]

Trying my first tonight! Thanks for the inspiration and encouragement! !!!

[@mareab1]

Gee it's great to hear the Aussie accent. Really nice and clear with perfect instructions. Definitely going to hand quilt my next one, Thanks Sarah

[@jamiwomack2129]

Your the first person to explain fully what you are doing with the needle. I also love the look of hand quilting but have never grasped how to do it properly. Thanks for sharing I'm excited to try your technique out.

[@heather194969]

WELL SARAH YOU HAVE ME CONVERTED, AND I HAVEN'T EVEN STARTED, HERE IN AUSTRALIA QUILTING IS VERY EXPENSIVE TO HAVE DONE. SO I AM DEFINITELY GOING TO TRY IT, AND THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TUTORIAL.

[@LanieLight]

Yes, looking for hand-quilting techniques as I have a quilt to finish that was started years ago. I will give this a try as I get back into sewing and quilting after several years not. It's time to finally finish the project!

[@nicolelevack9716]

Absolutely the easiest I have ever seen. Tried it tonight and love this technique.

[@lindamorris6993]

Thank you so much! I'm hand appliqueing my inherited grandmother's hand pieced Dresden plates, I've had for years. The blocks turned out to be 20 inches. I have 17, so it will make a nice size quilt. I wanted to try and keep it all hand done as much as I could, but I just knew I wouldn't be able to hand quilt it. Until I saw your video. I am so inspired now. I can't wait to get the top done, so I can try my hand at hand quilting. ☺️❤️

[@lindahammock3200]

Absolutely love this lady! She is an excellent teacher with a great personality!

[@Dkaye1]

Thank you Sarah for your tutorial. I am thoroughly enjoying hand quilting. I hear your voice in my head, "sit nice and straight and quilt toward yourself", "rock the needle back and don"t push until you have the hill made with your thumb"! :) I put some music on, right now it's Christmas tunes, and I find this quilting so relaxing. I am quilting a set of placemats as my first ever hand quilting experience and I must say I am very pleased with the results. Every once in a while I hit the play button to hear your instruction again. Thank you again for giving me the confidence to do this. Merry Christmas!

[@jenniferlinton9936]

This was so useful, even compared to other videos. Thank you!

[@4vrceltic]

You have TOTALLY inspired me! I could never figure out why my hand quilting never worked! I was so frustrated that I left it for years! Until today after I saw your video I realized just the importance of the right thumb helping to create the small hill!! I know that may sound stupid but that's where I was... My stitches were so long and uneven! I cannot believe how after watching your tutorial I sat down and hand stitched a twelve inch Ohio star block in my quilt that I'd given up on 5 years ago!! You are so easy to listen you and learn from! I wish you gave more online lessons/classes! I would definitely sign up! : ) Thank you so much for helping to reignite my love of hand quilting.... The right way!

[@fallendemonangelag]

Thank you for this video. I'm all thumbs when it comes to sewing machines. I rather do things by hand. I want to make a personalized baby blanket for my future great niece. I watched my mom as a kid make a blanket by hand for my niece when I was 12 and I have always liked sewing by hand. Even if it's the basic stuff

[@luckykelso]

This is the easiest to understand, and do. Thank you for this video. You have taken the fright out of hand quilting.

[@sdprater70]

It's nice to see another quilter tap their needle between stitches. 🤩

[@michellevandenoever9324]

In the Netherlands hand quilting is even a lot more common, there is even a group near my home town. I might go and try it out, I am an 18 year old student who loves crafting and could use some relaxation!

[@graziabracey5126]

Thanks Sarah , I have started hand quilting with the help of your video. I agree, so much more beautiful than machine quilting!

[@jackieclaiborne2595]

I just love this lady...I also love the look of hand quilting. Especially with the perle cotton...Great tutorial on hand quilting...Best I have seen.

[@geretyl]

I never had a desire to hand quilt. After watching this tutorial, I'm inspired to try something small. This was very informative and easy to follow. Great instructor!!!!

[@betrisher55]

Yep! You're absolutely right! Hand quilting is the way to go! I've had an enormous king size quilt sitting in a box for three years. It was just too heavy to fit through my sewing machine. Yesterday, I took your advice and began hand quilting it with perle cotton and guess what? It's FUN!!! I'm using #5 perle because I really wanted the quilting to be a feature. I had to search to find a very big chenille needle to carry the heavier thread, but it works like a dream and this quilt will be finished in no time. I'm SO glad I saw your video, Sarah. Without it, my lovely dresden plates would never have seen the light of day again! :)

[@dewittsagastume5797]

Thank you! You have inspired me to hand quilt! :)

[@tinlidtoo6615]

Definitely the best explanation of "the hill" concept used for getting small stitch lengths. Thank you!

[@pamelagahan5601]

Sarah, you an amazing teacher and because of you I have decided to hand quilt. Thank you.

[@kimberlyanderson7777]

Best video I have seen on hand quilting. I am converted!

[@sam8841]

Thank you for the great tutorial, Sarah.

[@CraftsyYouTube]

You are so welcome!

[@heatherthompson1045]

Thank you that was great,I'm going to try it.

[@kobygreene883]

Just want you to know that you inspired me to quilt many quilts. I'm about the start my 7th. I love it! I mainly do just straight line quilting, like 2 - 3 inch squares but I love how it looks. I can finish quilts I start now! I no longer have to be frustrated trying to cram a quilt through my sewing machine to free motion quilt and i'm no longer limited to lap size quilts. Thank you!

[@debbyomalley7976]

I love the look of quilting with pearl cotton. Your tutorial was excellent! I've been working towards doing more of my own quilting. I picked up some great tips from your video and I'm excited to give this a try. Thank you Sarah!

[@katishawilson8337]

In the last few years I started teaching my self to hand piece quilts, after finishing my first a Lone-star quilt, I immediately wanted to start more. Pretty soon I had lots of tops with nothing to do with them unless I had them quilted. As a child I remember watching my grandmother quilt with a hoop, I thought it was very daunting and awkward. But despite my fear I was determined to learn the technique. With advice form books and this helpful video class you have helped me immensely!!!! I found that not only is this completely possible it isn't frightening to try thanks so much for all the help!!!!

[@franceslocke7256]

You've inspired me to go out tomorrow and buy the right stuff. Lovely teaching style.

[@creativecompanion]

Best hand quilting for beginners video I have found! Good body mechanics to prevent pain. Thank you!

[@mrutkowski1687]

young person ready to start hand quilting here! Best tutorial I've seen so far- thank you for explaining "the hill", that was the bit I'm missing. Thanks :)

[@jillbecker8651]

Thank you so much for this wonderful video. I’ve enjoyed hand quilting and machine quilting for years. I still find hand quilting the most enjoyable and relaxing thing in the world. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Again thanks for sharing his information!

[@laurelannplacette9017]

This is one of the best videos of hand quilting I have seen. Thank you! I am a beginner of hand quilting and this helped me a lot. I have done machine quilting for years but wanted to try hand quilting. This is great!

[@karenupton4044]

Thank you! It was nice to someone that really knows what they are talking about.

[@lesliewilliams884]

I have hand quilted for many years, but have never used the Perle cotton. I was most interested in seeing how you got the size of the stitches gauged on the larger scale. You did a great job in demonstrating this, and I will be trying it with my next quilt.

[@coreywright6192]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! You are absolutely Charming! ... the way you translate your physical technique into such Illuminating ,simple explanations, with a welcoming /warm and kind voice .... Your eloquent guidance Haz sparked a new creative ember in me ! I hope you keep making content cuz I still have alot to learn !

[@gailpape2927]

Determined, after trying over and over! Hooked! Decided on a small quilt, cotton with 80/20 batting. Have to use a needle puller since this is dense. Not perfect, but ok. Your instruction is exactly what I needed! I’m surprised how quickly this goes. Love it!

[@sandraschuette2507]

So glad to have fallen upon this video. I love hand quilting and have been trying quilting with Perl’s cotton and this was wonderful for me. So clear and not so fast that so I miss something. Thanks fir sharing this. Happy quilting

[@JenniMeer]

I recently got bitten by the quilting bug. My grandmother used to quilt and watching you brought back great memories!!! I got her quilting hoop and look forward to using it in the near future. My practice quilt blocks are coming out nicely. I will keep in touch with you and let you know how it goes!!!

[@jessicaballard9769]

Got it in my head to start quilting.. i dont have much money so a sewing machine is out of the question right now.. I'm excited to try it by hand as the pattern is simple. Thanks!

[@elnorac]

Thank you for this lovely tutorial! Very well done, and it's great to hear your voice and see your face! Will go check out your class on Craftsy and your books on Amazon!

[@karynbrown5276]

I just paper pieced a 2” hexagon quilt. It’s about 72” x 72”. I thought since I sewed the top by hand, I should finish by hand. So I watched you video and I’m stitching away! Thanks for your help, I think it’s going to turn out great.

[@dharinidesilva5756]

best tutorial I have ever seen so far on hand quilting. Many thanks

[@natashalindner2059]

I have never hand quilted before, I have so many books on hold from my library and the first one I got was 'Material Obsession' - I am so happy to have found you here, the quilt is being sandwiched this week, then on Saturday I am dedicating the time to play with the quilt stitch - I can hardly wait. I am hoping for a lifetime of quilting with the next three quilts that are still in my head. Fabrics speak to me, I get them, then day dream about what they will become, and now what quilting I can do too. Thanks for such inspiration both in the book and here

[@rouen1431]

wonderful-your technique is much more efficient. than another lady I saw online. I'm doing a very big fence rail quilt-very boyish with flannel scraps. I hope I am able to pop the knots through my quilt. My husband helped tootsie roll my quilt through the machine to get the diagonal framework set but I really wanted to do 1.5" diamond lines throughout this huge quilt and had no idea how I was going to get my perle thread to work. So excited!!!

[@deborahakers5548]

I truly loved how you did the step by step , but also I love the fact that you told how to sit straight up and stitch towards yourself as that bending over and hurting your back and shoulders really does happen when you don't realize your doing it wrong till its to late! Thank you so very much!! By the way, Great tutorial!!!😊

[@eileenfb1948]

You have another convert! I have done stitch in the ditch by machine then added hand quilting around the borders and wow, I see what you mean. There is that personal connection in the hand quilting, love it. Thank you so much for your superb instructions.

[@cc83jc85]

Excellent instructions! and a soothing voice!! Thank you so much from Brisbane Australia!

[@NatJ4reform]

Thanks Sarah you've really motivated me to give this a go!

[@944gemma]

I absolutely love hand quilting. I love the process as well as the appearance. This is a good video on doing large stitch hand quilting which I hope to master. I've been quilting for about 35 years.

[@nancyincanada5553]

Thank you for the excellent tutorial! I'm going to give this a go.

[@yvonneiversen8749]

I’m in the process of hand quilting my first quilt. It was helpful to hear about the little hill I know that will help me. I have taken on a lot for my first quilt there’s no pattern so I have had a lot of work to do trying to arrange and make thing’s work!

[@debbiedebortoli9769]

thankyou for this tutorial!! I have been really struggling with hand quilting and gave up on my last quilt, with your help I think I,ll give it another try

[@FrancisFabricates]

So so excited to try out hand quilting 🥰👍🏻

[@sarahsmith-crowley8406]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!! You have helped me, I quilted with regular thread using quilters wax and I just tried the Perle cotton size 8, so much easier!!! You are awesome.

[@CraftsyYouTube]

Glad I could help!

[@shellyduncan282]

Sarah - Thank you so much for the video!!! I have all your books and I LOVE handquilting with perle cotton. You are so inspiring and your quilts are beautiful, It is so worth the time invested to hand quilt, I have embraced your process and am so thrilled with my quilts now.

[@timhyder3000]

My wife and I just started Quilting, she sews and I quilt. I have watched this video from 5:02 to the end SO many times I think I am finely getting it. Thanks you so much for this lesson!! Love it!

[@susanblack1894]

Thank you so much. All of the information is so helpful very easy to understand.

[@itahayes6165]

Thanks Sarah, loved that tutorial. Working on a small BOM quilt at the moment, definitely want to have a go hand quilting. 😊😊