We are chatting with Kirstie (also known as @sewkirstie on Instagram), the hand-quilting extraordinaire who painstakingly hand-quilted my Dresden quilt over several months. Kirstie is a quilting angel who heard my cries on Instagram, having posted that I thought I'd bitten off more than I could chew attempting an all-over 1" wide cross-hatching with my lacking hand-quilting skills (thankfully I have got a little better with practice over the years). After some arrangements I duly packed and sent off my quilt to Kirstie to work her magic, and boy did she deliver! I'm so incredibly lucky to have such a beautiful quilt. Kirstie really has made this quilt. Read on to find out more;
When did you first hand quilt and what got you started?
I’d always been drawn to quilts, but only ever embroidered or crocheted. When I was living in France, with two young daughters (25+ years ago) I decided to take lessons from a Madame Bellagamba, who believed in traditional methods. I was hooked!
What do you enjoy most about hand quilting?
The soothing repetition is my therapy!
Your hand quilting is beautiful Kirstie, how do you achieve such tiny, neat stitches?
Practice. And a good pair of glasses.
You have the skills for both traditional hand quilting and big stitch quilting, which do you prefer?
I enjoy both…although I find my “big” stitches get smaller and smaller!
You used a Tulip Hiroshima size 12 quilting needle to quilt the Dresden quilt, what prompted you for this particular needle/size?
I find it easier to control my stitch length with a smaller needle….and I love Japanese work in general, which prompted me to try the brand. I use a sashiko needle for big stitch quilting…..maybe it’s a case of the smaller your needle, the smaller your stitches??
Tulip Hiroshima Quilting Needle size 12 YLI Hand Quilting Thread, Natural
How did you find working with the YLI Hand Quilting thread?
I love YLI….it’s strong and doesn’t twist up on itself.
Do you use a thimble or a hoop, if so, what type?
I use a Prym silicone thimble, and feel quite naked when I take it off. But I don’t use a hoop or frame of any sort…just my lap.
How do you mark out your quilting designs?
I like a Hera marker for straight lines. Controversially, I use a Frixion pen for curves.
Do you have any advice or tips for new hand quilters who are looking to improve or a little nervous about starting?
Just go for it. Don’t worry about stitch length….just look for evenness, both in the length of the stitch and the gap between. It does take practice, so don’t give up too quickly. Try and enjoy the process…..and above all, be kind with yourself and don’t look for faults.
Where can we follow your sewing adventures / purchase items from you?
I can be found on Instagram at @sewkirstie and Etsy shop SewKirstieStitches.
See, I told you she was a quilting angel! Kirstie's magical work on my quilt definitely reminds me of the Cary Grant character in The Bishops Wife ;-) (a MUST watch this Christmas if you haven't seen it before, in fact, anytime of year is perfect for that film).
I think if you ask Kirstie very nicely (you can get in touch with her via Instagram DM's) she may also offer a paid hand quilting service.
We have the exclusive Dresden Dozen quilt, shown above available as a pattern and kit online at Sew and Quilt.
