How to do a Quilt Stitch

If you saw Sunday's video you'll see me showing Anna how I do my hand quilting. This is something I get asked about a lot. I use lovely big stitches to hold the quilt sandwich together! Here is a close up. I use Aurifil 12 in Marrakesh for this colourful quilt.

[@katethompson2818]

Also fun to see the Likes and Views roll over before my eyes. I've never been much of a "fan" type of person, but I am a fan of you and your many lovely pastimes, Kate, and Anna and your whole gang.

[@charlottestidd1369]

I just discovered you on KZbin and have watched your videos all day. Watching you is so relaxing as well as informative and entertaining. I subscribed. I am a 81 year old quilter in Aizona, USA. I have already learned a few things from you. Thank you.

[@QuiltingFitzy]

Waving from Tucson! 👋🏻

[@drleonesse]

You have converted me to easier quilting. I have a habit of over complicating...well, everything. 😂 My quilting life has been changed forever.

[@verabater7431]

I have hesitated to do hand quilting but you make it appear easy and mentally therapeutic. I am definitely going to give it a try on some quilt tops that have been laying around for awhile. I love your relaxed approach to quilting and am impressed with Anna's first quilt. Well done. Happy Holidays!

[@deborahwilson2857]

Hand quilting, especially doing a big stitch, is very centering and cathartic.

[@christineborgatti3760]

I love your big stitches.

[@gbyrd1970]

The quilt you're working on is just gorgeous

[@christiseverance4038]

I'm ready to give it a go! I've never thought I would hand quilt anything, but you are so inspiring and encouraging. I need to research how to deal with adding onto the thread ( hidden knots?) When stitching away from.the edges. I'm sure you have talked about it, but I don't remember. I love all your content. I'm such a fan🎉.

[@lauraadams7845]

Thanks to you, I hand quilted my big grandsons quilt. He was mesmerized ❤

[@margotnorris5563]

I love your channel! I suffer from anxiety and listening to you is so comfr

[@brendabuckley7071]

Wud love to see more of Anna

[@marianneknapp4846]

Amazing work Kate & Anna ❤❤

[@teresasherbine6904]

It's been a long time since I hand quilted. Once I got FMQ down it is all I do now. But I miss watching TV and hand quilting. So calming and keeps my hands busy.

[@dianajones8598]

This is a great simple explanation of how to do a quilting stitch. Thank you Kate and Anna.! Merry Christmas 🎁🎄🎁🎄 And God bless you and your family and keep you all safe ❤️🙏😊

[@lfpetrock]

I have a lot to do before our family gathering of a cookie night on Christmas Eve. But being 71 means I take it in stages, work a little bit, rest a little bit. While resting I pick up my hand work and watch you, or Arne and Carlos. I have really enjoyed the Advent blocks, and made a few, plus some of my favorites. I hope I manage to put it all together before Christmas! Be well and enjoy family and friends. 🌲❄️☃️🌨️🌞🦌🐟🥗🥖🍵🍼🍫🍪🎄🎁

[@robertoalicea2454]

Kate, you have inspired me so much! I love the slow stitching method you used on Agnes’ quilt. I’m inspired to hand quilt my grandson’s birthday quilt! Thank you. I do enjoy sit on the lime green sofa!

[@HelloBlackbird]

Kate! I just love everything you do! How wonderful that Anna is now picking up this craft too! ❤❤

[@sisterchicksquilting]

There's something soothing about stitching a quilt by hand. I'm working with your video playing on the desk right next to me. Thank for a fun relaxing evening.

[@ruthgoebel723]

I always love to get to this stage! The hand-quilting gives depth and character! Love these colors!! Happy quilting!

[@jand3793]

I bought your pack of threads from your shop including this one and have them in a jar they are so beautiful. I have hand stitched one quilt and would like to try another when the right one presents itself.

[@doreensherk287]

I think quilting on a table with a cutting board under the quit is a great idea. It is a lot easier than on your lap and your fingers don’t suffer.

[@maryg65]

Thank you Kate! Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family 🎁🎄🎅🏻

[@annacline6045]

I love to hand quilt. I hope more people watch this to see how you do it.

[@CaliCreativeDJC]

I enjoyed this tutorial. I appreciate that I am not the only one using big stitches for quilting. (Daphne in California)

[@laurag8641]

Like so many others, I do machine quilting and after watching you hand quilt, i think I will give it a try on a small project first. :). Thank you for sharing the little clip here! Merry Christmas to you, Anna and your whole family!! Look forward to more videos in the New Year!

[@wombathollowcrafts]

💜💜💜

[@leaht4505]

Thank you! This was a great demo💗I also loved watching you and Anna quilt together on your latest video. What a lovely time. Merry Christmas to you and yours🌺♥️🎄

[@lindanonnenmann1112]

Yes, I prefer the Big Stitch for hand quilting too. It shows off your lovely variegated thread. I use either size 8 or 12 perle cotton...would like to find some size 12 Aurafille. It's wonderful that you and Anna can quilt together, both quilts are beautiful❤

[@RebeccaTreeseed]

I learned hexi hand piecing from you and now hand quilting. Hand piecing is very zen and apparently quilting is too. Thank you Kate! I just ordered Aurofil 12 and beeswax for my quilt.

[@cherylcopeland3418]

I just got off work...what a lovely surprise to see kate, today.

[@moniquevanheck9457]

It will be another fabulous Quilt Kate! Thank you and Anna ( and the rest of the gang) for this last year, it was a blast, sending you a virtual hug and best wishes for 2024

[@janesalisbury3686]

Thank you, I am building up confidence in making a quilt for my granddaughter's new home.

[@loribreeuwsma]

Do a short of what you do when you run out of thread and need to end it and start a new one, thanks.

[@jsedlak4413]

I want to know this too!

[@redsplitrailfence4708]

❤ thank you . Appreciate 🎉🎉🎉 your videos bring me joy. 😊

[@christinedavies4857]

I would love to see how you finish off, when you come to the end of the thread!

[@marijkeschellenbach2680]

I love hand quilting and like you, don't worry too much if the stitches are not all the same size. Large stitches make it a lot easier also. I loooove this quilt Kate, and can't wait for the holidays to be over so I can get started on one..

[@janemeyer794]

This helps a lot! Thank you, Kate and Anna!

[@lynnballard3397]

I’ve been hand binding the few quilts I’ve made but after seeing this I think I’m going to attempt to hand quilt the next quilt I make.

[@donalmashoust354]

As always I love your colour choices!

[@nbc911]

Your stitches look nice and even. I must try the technique using the cutting board beneath. Thank you 😊

[@peggyhawkins2352]

You have made me want to try hand quilting.....something I never thought I would do!!

[@joanne7218]

Thank you so much for this video on hand quilting. I learned to quilt with a hoop and to poke my finger underneath to insure that it went through the layers. I have had a mastectomy and have lymphedema on that side and can no longer quilt by poking my finger because of issues of healing etc with the lymphedema. I am happy to know that I can use a cutting mat! I appreciate your tips so much! Thanks again!

[@sthenele]

Thanks, Kate. I would like to know what you do when you're going across the wide parts of the quilt. Do you use a very long thread or do you use shorter lengths? If so, how do you do you fasten off end restart as inconspicuously as possible?

[@lindacummings6921]

I asked a question about this too. I never see her quilting with a LONG thread and wonder how she securely connects the ends of the old and new threads.

[@juliestafford5959]

Yes, I too have this same question. How do you end and start your new thread on a long run?

[@user-eq9ob8xn5y]

Dear Kate, I do hope you and your family are safe and sound in all the snow piling up around Cumbria. If this wish is based in error from news reporting I hope I did not alarm you. I much enjoy your videos. Merry Christmas. Betty from USA.

[@brittawrolson5936]

Wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas and a fabulous New Near🙏🏻🙏🏻🎄🍾

[@rhondagunderm4862]

Thank you for sharing. Merry Christmas to you and your family

[@katethompson2818]

Fun to be your very first Liker!

[@donalmashoust354]

I love your colour choices.

[@Allyson-ho3vy]

Kate, when you are quilting, do you just keep going or do you stop from time to time to do, say a double stitch, to secure the row of stitches. In case the stiching might get caught on something and pull up on the quilt? Is this as clear as mud? 😂😂😂 Ally in Warwickshire.

[@amandah4834]

Thank you for this Kate it was just what i needed and was looking for to finish my quilt 👏I am new to all this but just love your videos on all the subjects you cover and even though you say not too I’m binging them lol 😂Amanda , hope you have a lovely Christmas 🎄xx

[@brendabuckley7071]

I admire your work and lovely variety of ideas. I would also like to see and hear much more from lovely Anna

[@lindajackson9664]

I wish I had looked for this before I hand quilted the sewing pouch tutorial, I just eyeballed the lines, never mind first attempt you live and learn 😊

[@bernadettesimpson9563]

I’ve actually managed to see you live .. I usually miss the live .. yippee 🎉

[@lisacoleman687]

Merry Christmas to you and all your family. Your videos inspire. Thought for you and Anna for 2024. Kawandi style throws?

[@sherryhartiman3361]

I too hand quilt, it very relaxing, but my stitches aren't always straight. But at the end of rhe day it makes me happy. 😊

[@crystalmills3764]

Thank you for sharing, I’m feeling inspired to try hand quilting ❤ 1:00

[@beverleysimmons8080]

Nice to see how you do the stitching dont think i have the patience for it lol

[@MonaDidWhat]

Very pretty quilt your stitching on

[@rubyhaze1]

Merry Christmas, Kate! Blessings to you and your loved ones. 🎄🌲🎄

[@user-uq4uk3od5k]

After watching your new video it got me to layer and pin a 109x118 quilt. And I will be machine quilting it. If you only knew how helpful your videos are. Thank you and Anna so much fir pushing me to finish my quilt.

[@Sewwithdebee]

Thank you this is on my list of techniques to try. Love your vids ❤🇨🇦

[@user-mw3uv3ii5n]

Great demo - thanks Kate

[@cathy2329]

Hello, I couldn’t sleep and found your videos very relaxing and informative. I’m new to quilting and love the look of hand quilting. Do you melt beeswax and form the ball or does it come that way? I searched the web and couldn’t find one that wasn’t in a plastic container. Thank you and enjoy your day 😊

[@robertacaruthers7568]

Wonderful!

[@SherrieSherman]

Kate , what size and brand of needles do you us for hand quilting? Thank you

[@janespond922]

Good question!

[@chriswilford3576]

On the website Kate says she uses size 9 Bohin needles. Hope this helps ❤

[@janespond922]

@@chriswilford3576 thanks!

[@lynda2023]

😊x

[@kimmieshomestead.9346]

Merry Christmas ⛄

[@laramonta6827]

💝

[@BlessingsfromNorthIdaho]

❤

[@sheliaheverin8822]

I love the bigger stitches.

[@bridgetplunkett7630]

Hi Kate. Maybe you could chat to us beginners sometime about why some people hand quilt and some machine quilt. I have a small quilt top made and wonder which should I do. Thanks.

[@lisajahn6839]

Thank you! 😊

[@deborahmeyer-y4m]

Thank you!

[@makerj3446]

Love your videos. ❤ I’d be interested to know how you physically manage the quilt fabric on the very long rows so it doesn’t all bunch up?

[@barbguenther2932]

Thankyou Kate!! Barb

[@NannaLiz]

This is very nice. I am wondering why you don't use a walking foot and quilt it on your machine, if you are making straight diagonal lines. Is it because the thread you use is too thick? Merry Christmas!

[@patkappes6140]

Awesome, 😍

[@nell171]

Hi Kate can you use perle 8 cotton thread to hand quilt a top? Thank you love from Australia

[@sueshynn586]

Wishing you and all the family a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. Sue (IOW) x

[@lindacummings6921]

WHEN YOU RUN OUT OF THREAD IN THE MIDDLE OF HAND QUILTING, HOW DO YOU SECURE THE OLD AND NEW THREAD ENDS.

[@gwenmassey7631]

When doing the running/quilting stitch how do you join the thread when run out part way across the quilt, a knot would show and a loose thread may come loose with wear and tear. What is your secret please? 🎉🎉

[@karenbadger9311]

Have you talked about what needle you use? I want to try this!

[@chriswilford3576]

Size 9 Bohin needles

[@TheHawkeyeQuilter]

Kate, can you show us the back of this quilt before the quilting is finished? I just hand tied a quilt which I had clamped down to a table after all the layers were pulled taught, and darn if there was a spot in the middle about 12" in diameter that was all puckered and wrinkled after the tying was in. You don't even have yours clamped to the table. Do you have a secret to keep the backing from getting messed up while quilting it?

[@glenysperry3421]

I was taught to start in middle of quilt and work outwards, at least by sewing machine method. After watching many of the quilts that you have done by your method, I realize it is not necessary.

[@maureenleclair8773]

Kate, it's hard to tell on the screen, but how long is each stitch that you do or how many stitches per inch. Thank you.

[@kimouimet7192]

your quilts are beautiful! did you mention what type & size needle you like to use for your hand quilting?

[@maryannfelice7705]

Hello Kate, hope you’re having a nice holiday. Do you stitch all the way through to the back material? Thank you so much love your channel.

[@chriswilford3576]

Yes Mary, the idea is to stitch the three layers together.

[@gillyanderson2494]

Please can you tell what sort of needle you use Kate? It looks very sturdy, unlike most of mine. I love watching you quilt it looks so therapeutic. 💕

[@moniquep.341]

She mentions on her website what her favorite is (under kate-supplies)

[@gillyanderson2494]

Thank you.

[@catherineveleker6822]

What's your favorite needle for handquilting? Looks to be longer than the betweens people used to use to get those teeny stitches.

[@moniquep.341]

She mentions it on her website. I tried to give a link, but my answer keeps dissapearing, so you'll have to go to the website yourself. It's mentioned under Kattes supplies

[@kayherstedt6618]

I found "Shop" but no "Kate's supplies."

[@chriswilford3576]

Kate says she uses size 9 Bohin needles ❤

[@user-zl4oy4is2x]

Hi Kate. What size needle do you use

[@beckyjohnson3161]

What needle are you using. Size and brand please. Merry Christmas! 🎄🎄🎄

[@chriswilford3576]

Kate uses size 9 Bohin needles ❤

[@beckyjohnson3161]

Size 9, Bohn but are the Chanel needles, they look to long for quilting needles. Maybe they are crewel embroidery. Kate you make it look so easy and non stressed. I’ve quilted for years and think I’ll never finish a hand quilted quilt. I’m going to try it! 🌲🌲🌲

[@beverleysimmons8080]

I would like to know how Anna did her strips for her quilt any way of show us again i remember the long tubes she made maybe i missed a video or two yikes help lol

[@kayherstedt6618]

I love the Terry blocks and the Marakesh thread. What size needle did you use? Thank you!

[@moniquep.341]

Kate mentions her favorite on her website, under kate-supplies

[@kayherstedt6618]

I couldn't find that heading.

[@moniquep.341]

It will not let me put a link in the comments 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@moniquep.341]

@@kayherstedt6618 when you go to thelasthomelyhouse there is a menu in which you can choose Kate's supplies

[@chriswilford3576]

She uses size 9 Bohin needles ❤

[@carriestock976]

Do you tie a knot in your thread before you start quilting

[@lizaddison-duenas4351]

What size or description is your needle please?

[@lindachadwick2911]

Please let me know what needles you use! I need some better needles!

[@kayherstedt6618]

Found it. Wasn't obvious!

[@christinedavies4857]

I would love to see how you finish off, when you come to the end of the thread!

[@trishc8311]

And how you start a new thread not at the edge of the quilt. I have to relearn hand quilting after several decades to finish a beautiful “family tree” quilt my mom made but didn’t finish. The squares were maple leaves made mostly of fabrics of dresses and projects she’d made for me, and the center square was an embroidered family tree. It deserves to be seen - maybe to be hung on the wall and not used too heavily?