can someone please help me?

[mema2dandk]

i have a couple of questions on the quilting of a quilt. what kind of thread do you use and how do you know what you should quilt(the pattern) i have always tied my quilts but think it is time to move on. lol i have made a ton of baby quilts in the last 2 weeks to be donated(don't know where yet) and was thinking i could try to quilt them. any ideas?

[Kimmomo3]

i quilt with 100% cotton quilting thread and the quilting pattern depends on on the block pattern. I tend to do square and triagle patterns and I like to do "stich in the ditch" where you kind of follow the block pattern.

[SewCrafty]

Kim, CJ is the one to ask for that. I'm waiting for that part of the tutorial too!

I do know if you are hand quilting they sell special thread for it. I'm not sure of the difference in it. It may be that it is twisted more so that it doesn't snag and knot so much when you are working with it. Good Luck!!

[Michelle]

As far as where to donate, please check into Project Linus. My mom donates quilts there. http://www.projectlinus.org

[mema2dandk]

so stitch in the ditch is just following the pattern? i was wondering. do you all use the clear thread or colored? and do you stitch each block? i know to may questions. lol

[homesteadmamma]

To quilt a quilt, you'll need 100% cotton if your using your sewing machine to quilt and also 100% cotton if your hand quilting, but the thread for hand quilting must be hand quilting thread. It will say either on the thread or on the stand where the thread is sold. Hand quilting thread is a bit stronger and if used in a sewing machine, tends to break or not keep even stitches.

You can use any pattern you want. If its for a baby quilt, I always do my quilting with the sewing machine. You want the stitches to last and you can do them quickly and like Kimmomof3 said, you can use "stitch in the ditch".

I agree with Michelle, Project Linus is a great organization. If you don't have one, donating to the local hospital or women's shelter is another great place.

[mema2dandk]

thank you all so much.

[homesteadmamma]

Stitch in the Ditch is following the pattern, either very close to the seam on the outside or very close to the seam on the inside. When I do Stitch in the Ditch, I follow the inside of the pattern, about 1/8 inch inside.

I use a neutral color when quilting, either a off white or tan color. But you can use any color you want, its up to each individual quilter. Most quilts though you'll find the quilter has used neutral colors.

It depends on the size of the blocks whether you would stitch each block. If they are smaller blocks, I do every couple. If they are any larger than 4 inches I do every block.

I was recently asked if you could quilt a quilt too much and so I asked a quilting expert who has had her quilts judged in contests. She said if a judge can put his fist between any quilting, you are automatically disqualified here. It also looks so nice to have each block quilted in some way.

There are never too many questions to ask when it comes to quilting. If you have more, just ask and I'll try to answer them as quickly as possible.

[mema2dandk]

ty, so if you use a neutral color it is the best? the back of all my quilts are colored fabric and i wasn't sure if i should use cordinated thread or not. i think i will try a simple circle pattern, something i hope i don't screw up. i will let oyu all now tomorrow.
thanks again cj and all that replied.