✨ 10 Tips for Big Stitch Quilting Every Quilter Should Know

✨ 10 Tips for Big Stitch Quilting Every Quilter Should Know

A joyful, relaxed, slightly chatty guide to creating beautiful texture-one glorious stitch at a time.

Big Stitch Quilting has become one of my favourite techniques-not just because it looks amazing (it really does), but because it's meditative, expressive, beginner-friendly, and has that magical ability to make any quilt look like it has a personality of its own.

Whether you're brand new to hand quilting or already have a growing collection of “I'll just do a few stitches before bed” projects… these tips will help you stitch with confidence and joy.

Ready? Let's dive in! 💛

🧵 1. Choose the Right Thread for Big Stitch Magic

Think of big stitch thread like choosing the perfect eyeliner: you want something bold enough to show, but not so thick it scares people.

My ride-or-die favourite: Valdani Perle Cotton Size 12.
Why?

ü  Smooth, hand-dyed colour

ü  Strong but still soft

ü  Gorgeous texture

ü  Perfect weight for those plump, confident stitches

Other great options:

·         Wonderfil Perle Cotton

·         Aurifil 12wt - softer, finer look, perfect for delicate vibes

Choose thread colours based on your mood:
✨ High contrast if you want people to say “Oooo, texture!”
✨ Low contrast for soft, cozy, whisper-stitching
✨ Variegated when you want to look fancy with zero effort

Note: DMC Threads are not colour fast.  

🪡 2. Use the Right Needle (It Matters… more than your seam ripper wants to admit)

The right needle feels like magic. The wrong needle feels like betrayal.

Try: Chenille Needles #22 or #24
They have:
✔ big eyes (a blessing after 9pm)
✔ sharp points
✔ sturdy bodies
✔ the perfect length for rocking stitches

If your needle starts bending like a wilted daisy or feels like you're quilting with a small sword… switch sizes. Life is too short.

Bonus Tip:

I highly recommend the Prym Embroidery Needle Threader – it’s a game changer.

 

 

🧤 3. Find a Comfortable Grip + Thimble Setup

You don't need expensive tools-just the ones that make your hands happy.

Try:

v  Silicone thimble (amazing grip!)

v  Leather thimble (soft + strong)

v  Thimble pads (because tender fingers deserve love)

Experiment until it feels natural, relaxed, and not like hand-quilting punishment.

If it hurts, something needs adjusting-preferably not your attitude.

Note:  The Bohin silicone thimbles are my favorite for effectiveness and comfort!

📏 4. Keep Your Stitches Consistent-Not Perfect

Repeat after me: Big Stitch quilting is expressive, not fussy.

If someone comes close enough to your quilt to measure your stitches… send them home.

Ø  Aim for a rhythm, not perfection:

Ø  Keep 1-2 stitches loaded

Ø  Gentle rocking motion

Ø  Let your hands build muscle memory!

Before long, your stitches will smooth out-like magic but with more thread.

Celebrate Canada Quilt Pattern - Pattern by Lorna Costantini

🧵 5. Work With Shorter Thread

I know, I know. Using long thread feels efficient. 
But so does using dull rotary blades-and we don't do that anymore either. 😉

Use 18-20 inches at a time.
Shorter thread = fewer knots, less fraying, smoother stitches, and greater inner peace.

This one tip can transform your entire Big Stitch experience.

🌟 6. Embrace Simple, Modern Motifs

Big Stitch quilting looks stunning with designs that let texture shine.

Try:

      Straight lines

      Echoing

      Large crosshatch

      Soft curves

      Starbursts

      Radiating lines

      Organic wavy lines

      Hand-drawn doodle vibes

Let the stitches be the art. Avoid anything that requires you to do math after 6pm.

Jacket Designed / Crafted by Lorna Costantini

 

Round & Round Pillow Pattern Design by Lorna Costantini

Nome Quilt Pattern by Lorna CostantiniCarolyn Friedlander Collection Design / Quilt by Stephanie Baisley

🎨 7. Mark Your Lines (or Don't!)

There are two types of quilters:
Those who lovingly mark every line…
And those who say, “Let's see what happens.”

Do whichever brings less stress.

Marking is great for:

v  crisp repetition

v  symmetry

v  confidence-building

v  Skipping marking feels:

v  organic

v  relaxed

v  delightfully rebellious

Marking tools I love:

ü  Hera marker (my absolute favorite! - Don't know why I put off purchasing this for so long)

ü  Heat-erasable pens

ü  Water-soluble pens

ü  Chalk wheel

ü  Painters Tape

Always test on a scrap first-ask me how I know. 😅

🧺 8. Use a Quilt Sandwich That Feels Good to Stitch Through

Your batting matters more than you think.

Try:

·         100% cotton

·         Cotton/poly blends

·         Wool batt (SO dreamy for hand quilting!)

Avoid:

·         High-loft polyester (bouncy castle energy = sore hands)

·         Over-starching your quilt top (your needle will revolt)

·         A soft sandwich = smooth stitching + a happy quilter.

🔄 9. Start in the Centre and Work Outward

Think of this like smoothing the duvet on a bed-just with more stitching and fewer crumbs.

Tips:

• Start near the middle
• Work outward in sections
• Don't yank your thread tight
• Gently pat your quilt flat as you go
• Your quilt stays smooth, flat, and happy. 

💛 10. Enjoy the Process-Your Quilt Will Reflect It

Big Stitch Quilting is slow stitching at its finest.
Relaxing. Rhythmic. Creative. Therapeutic.

Remember:

ü  Wobbly stitches = charming (good example above in my Carolyn Friedlander Collection quilt!)

ü  Visible handwork = soulful

ü  Big Stitch is meant to look handmade.

Your quilt will be loved because YOU made it-not because every stitch was identical.

☀ Final Thoughts: Big Stitch Quilting Is for Everyone

Whether you're adding bold texture to a modern quilt or finishing a sweet baby quilt, Big Stitch quilting brings a warmth and authenticity machines simply can't replicate.

With the right tools, the right thread, and a relaxed “I've got this” mindset, you'll fall in love with the process-not just the finish.

If you'd like more inspiration:
✨ How to Choose Thread Colours for Big Stitch Quilting
✨ Why I Love Big Stitch Quilting

✨ Lorna Costantini's On-Demand Big Stitch Quilting Course

Big Stitch Hand Quilting for Beginners Class - Payhip

 

Need thread, needles, or Big-Stitch-friendly patterns? 👉 sunnyquiltcreative.ca

Alright my lovely stitchers - that's your official invitation to grab a cup of something warm, curl up with your quilt, and start making those big, beautiful stitches like the confident quilting wizard you are.

If your thread knots, your needle bends, or your thimble flies across the room… just remember: that's part of the charm, and frankly, it builds character.

Now go forth and stitch boldly. I'll be over here cheering you on (and pretending my thread never tangles). 💛✨

Happy Big Stitch Quilting!!

Cheers

Stephanie!