Instructor: Janice Black
Date: Saturday, January 6, 2024
Location: Boise Rigging Supply, 6750 West Victory Road, Boise
Cost: $15

More information…
Big-stitch quilting uses chunky contrasting threads and large stitches to finish a quilt rapidly by hand while adding a lot of texture and interest. Although this type of quilting has been around for a long time and can be found in antique quilts, it has enjoyed a recent revival in popularity and works especially well with modern quilts. It is a perfect starting point for people who are complete beginners at hand quilting and also works well for people who have quilted by hand for a long time but are starting to have difficulty with tiny hand stitches because of arthritis or problems with their eyesight.

In this class, you will have plenty of time to practice the technique either on your own project or on a small quilt provided by BBQ’s Quilts for Kids special activities division.

This is the recommended supply list:

-A quilting hoop. These are different from embroidery hoops. They can be purchased fairly inexpensively from Joann’s if you use one of their 50% off coupons. I also have a couple that I can lend out (first come, first served), or you might be able to borrow one from a fellow quilter.

-A quilt project to work on. You may either bring your own pre-sandwiched project, or use one provided by BBQ’s Quilts for Kids department. If you use your own, it needs to be larger than your quilting hoop and should be basted with thread (3” long basting stitches are fine!) rather than spray-basted. Polyester or wool battings are highly recommended for this class because they are much easier than cotton to stitch through by hand. If you strongly prefer a cotton batt, try to find one that has no scrim.

-Chunky thread that contrasts nicely with your project. Perle cotton in size 12 or 16 is recommended. Size 8 gives a wonderful eye-catching effect and you are welcome to use it, but be aware that it will tire your hands and wrists more quickly. The amount of thread needed will vary according to your project size and how densely you plan to quilt. 1-3 spools are probably sufficient for a small project.

-A strong, sharp needle with an eye large enough for your selected thread size. Chenille needles are my favorite, but you might prefer to use a large crewel embroidery needle, a sashiko needle, or a needle specifically made for big-stitch quilting.

-Thread snips or scissors

-A thimble. Thimble designs are a matter of personal preference, but do find one that fits well and feels stable (not wobbly) on your finger. My favorite is Bohin’s gold-plated brass thimble, a fairly inexpensive thimble that can fit more than one of your fingers nicely because of its long, tapered design. A thimble design with a raised circle at the tip can help keep your needle from slipping off. If you have long nails, you may want to try a Clover open-sided thimble.