Hand Piercing Technique

[Sandy F.]

Anyone knows how to hand piercing? Is there any book/video for hand piercing?

[Sandy F.]

I'd recommend Quiltmaking by Hand by Jinny Beyer. There is a book and a CD with video clips. Both are available on her site, jinnybeyer.com. She has excellent technique for hand piecing, and the instruction is very clear and easy to follow. I love hand piecing and hope that you enjoy it too. Good luck. Marge

[Sandy F.]

Thanks. I will check it out. Do you know what is the suggested stitch length for hand piercing?

[Sandy F.]

I aim for 10-12 stitches per inch when I Jinny Byers method for hand piecing.

I just took a work shop from Ami Simms where we used the LADDER STITCH to do hand piecing... I really like it because placement was so accurate for the stitching... You worked from the top of the block instead of the back. This works very well for me cause I like to fussy cut so much of my blocks. This allows a very accurate alignment of pattern and the piecing. Using the ladder stitch has a lot of applications and is a good method to learn.

Ami Simms has books available on her web site... No DVD is available but she has a YOU tube presentation.

[Sandy F.]

I aim for 10-12 stitches per inch when I Jinny Byers method for hand piecing.

I just took a work shop from Ami Simms where we used the LADDER STITCH to do hand piecing...LADDER STITCH is actually an applique technique but it can also be used for hand piecing blocks very accurately.

I really like it because placement was so accurate for the stitching... You worked from the top of the block instead of the back. This works very well for me cause I like to fussy cut so much of my blocks. This allows a very accurate alignment of pattern and the piecing. Using the ladder stitch has a lot of applications and is a good method to learn.

Ami Simms has books available on her web site... No DVD is available but she has a YOU tube presentation.

I found the link on a previous post.

http://<br /> <a href="http://youtu...ovYFJZ5-jk</a>

I was sent this link for ladder stitch applique on YOU tube... they had other quilting demos in the lower right corner...

Takes for ever on dial up to load but pretty good...

I am so behind in this new internets stuff... gee quilt instruction...

who knew

[Sandy F.]

Thanks so much for the information. 10-12 stitches are a lot in one inch!

[Sandy F.]

When we started our hand piecing class we researched all the advice in the various books and most said 10-12 per inch. I think the extra amount is counting the occasional back stitch that many hand piecers put in to their stitching.

I went back to the last hand pieced block I made using Jenny Byers method and I got 9 to 11 stitches per inch.

Using the ladder stitch method I usually only get 8 to 10 stitches. per inch. both seem pretty sturdy.

Is that not the point... have stitching that will not come apart.

[Sandy F.]

Thanks Anna. I hope there is a hand piercing class I can attend. I did read some books and check out some videos, but I guess sometimes it is easier to attend a class. I tried some hand piercing today. My block shrinks a little bit....I gave up and re did it using machine. Done faster....however, I have to say, I sort of enjoy hand piercing and it has some kind of texture.