When I'm not FMQ, I SID but I think I want to outline stitch on my next quilt. I've never done that before. Which side of the seam do you stitch? And do you outline every seam? I know this is a silly question. Thank you.
Welcome to the Quilting Board!

When I'm not FMQ, I SID but I think I want to outline stitch on my next quilt. I've never done that before. Which side of the seam do you stitch? And do you outline every seam? I know this is a silly question. Thank you.
Molly O
It's not a silly question! Are you talking about outlining some of the focal points on the fabrics in the quilt?
Charlie DiSante
Are you referring to" stitch in the ditch"?
Just passing through!
I did this on my first quilt - when I really didn't know what I was doing - LOL. I stitched inside all sides of the patch. Then I stopped and started a new patch. It was a LOT of starting and stopping. I don't recommend it, but it's up to you if you want to go to all of that work. It's a lot easier in hand quilting because the thread can go to the next patch between the layers. Not a silly question at all. I wish this board was available when I started![]()
Nancy in MN
whichever side you want. Usually the stitch just 1/4" or so away from the seam is used for dimensional effect.
I like it because it adds to the overall design. I believe some quilt patterns require it. Remember that the quilting can add dimension or additional design to the quilt.
I realize it is more work to quit this way and has it's problem perhaps and needs but is very effective.
Another stupid question: what is FMQ and SID?? I worked for a state agency and am kind of good at deciphering acronyms, but some of these have me stumped. I am sure I will say duh when you answer, but nevertheless I am stumped. I am totally new to this site, but have enjoyed reading all the posts. So much information and it has helped me considerably. Since retirement, I am getting into this. I have made 20 table toppers since the end of November and a couple of avatars have sent me to the net looking for patterns. Such fun and thanks for sharing.
Are you planning to use your walking foot or FMQ foot to outline stitch? It is harder to keep a consistant distance away from the piece in FMQ. It is easier to keep a consistant distance from the piece with the walking foot BUT harder to move the quilt in the right directions to sew. Take a look at the top and decide what would work best for you.p.s. Quilter 65-FMQ stands for free motion quilting with the darning or hopping foot (you can stitch in any direction) STD or SID stands for Stitch In The Ditch which is sewing a quilting line right at or close to the intersection of 2 pieces of fabric.
Last edited by Tartan; 01-30-2012 at 05:46 AM.
Thank you all for your advice. I may just do an all-over design
Molly O