Hand Piece Quilt top?

**chevy_chick95** · 02-09-2011, 04:55 PM

Does anyone hand hand piece their quilt top? I've never pieced anything haha.. but I have the basic knowledge I believe. I have helped my grandma piece tops that she would sew on a machine..

I've googled and such so I think I know what to do. Any experienced people out there?

**mauimagic** · 02-09-2011, 05:35 PM

I've hand pieced quilts - what in particular are you looking for?

**chevy_chick95** · 02-09-2011, 06:27 PM

do you use just a basic running stitch?

do I use a hoop or just pin the pieces together?

I have heard that you shouldn't tie a knot if your pieces are coming to a point, as it will be too hard to sew the rest of the points to the first one..

how big of a seam allowance do you use?

that is all I can think of at the moment... haha!

**sunshine** · 02-09-2011, 09:10 PM

Most patterns use a 1/4 inch seam allowance. I use a tiny running stitch, but I can't match my grandmother, or uncle's stitches that are 14/16 stitches / inch.

**piney** · 02-09-2011, 09:35 PM

I have hand pieced a lot of quilt tops years back i never used a hoop i just pin them togeather.

**Contrary Housewife** · 02-09-2011, 10:38 PM

It's just a running stitch. You can tie a knot at the end of the seam, just leave a little space for the seam allowance for the next piece. If you are using 1/4" seams, leave 1/4". You can pin pieces or just hold them if they are small enough.

The hoop is for quilting later.

I did some hand piecing, but I haven't got the time for it anymore.

**mauimagic** · 02-09-2011, 11:57 PM

The first quilt I ever made (1968) I did entirely by hand. No pining, just held the pieces together. I used a backstitch to lock the pieces together. That quilt is still in all the time use, so I guess that type of stitch worked!!