Quiltingboard Forums - Explain or describe to me just what you consider Stitch in the Ditch.

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My SID is right next to the stitch but sometimes I wander over a tad too far...

The most important place I have found to use STD, is on the binding. I sew my binding on the right side of the quilt (the top), and carefully press that seam open. Stretch it a little so you can really see the seam. Turn the binding to the back to cover the stitching line by about 1/16 in. and pin, baste or glue. School glue ironed down works the best. Then go back to the front and STD. None of the stitching will show after the quilt is washed. It's beautiful. (Mine aren't always perfect either. LOL)

I differentiate between SITD (right in the ditch) which has been discussed as nearly impossible to do perfectly, and "echo quilting" close to the ditch. I prefer to use my SITD foot (one without a small needle hole) and move the needle over several notches to echo quilt.

I stitch along seam lines to secure the top, batting and backing before I do quilting that will show from the front. I don't do every seam, just the ones around major blocks usually. It depends on what I have decided on how my final quilting design will look both from the front and back as to where and how much stitch in the ditch I'll do.

Quote:

Originally Posted by quilterpurpledog (Post 6497956)

An important aspect of stitching in the ditch is stabilizing each square (or other recognizable unit) so that you can concentrate on each square as you do the free motion design quilting. You can work on each square independently if you have stitched in the ditch. It also prevents tucks on the back because of the control you have created on the front. I like to use my walking foot to STID. Lots of practice helps. Creating small projects helps with the control issues. Then, make larger ones as your skill increases.

This is exactly why I Stitch in the Ditch.
I took the same Craftsy class mentioned, and I LIKE the look and will continue to stitch in 'every stinkin' stitch.'
I just saw a website about an hour ago that the longarm quilter stitched a few threads from the exact seam. Though the work is beautiful, I do not like the look of her stitching in the ditch.
Just personal preference. (Isn't her work beautiful though?)

http://www.suzanneearley.net/2014/01...tion-quilting/