I have finished a quilt and had my second attempt at machine quilting. The problem is that I did not do a locking stitch at the ends of the quilting. I just left long tails because I thought it was supposed to be tied...but now after thinking about it, I am just about sick to my stomach because I'm thinking I'll have to tear all of the stitching out. I just wondered if anyone had ideas of what I could do to finish it off or if I should just take it out and start over.

How about threading the thread through the quilt - like through a seam, through batting, etc. - then cutting off the excess Someone else might know how to pull a small knot through, if you tied knots. Does this make any sense?

how long are the tails? Before I ripped the whole thing out, I'd take a drop of Fray-check to the ends. If they are long enough, slip them inside.

I dont know why you couldnt do like Calico said. It would be like finishing off in hand quilting.

I agree-I would thread the tails into the sandwich of the quilt. Don't rip it all out!!!!

And if your tails aren't long enough to thread them through a needle to finish it, try pulling the top thread through to the back of your work, and then tying both threads into a knot, and trim...hope this helps

for threads too short to knot and bury, put a dab of fabric clue over the last 3 or 4 stitches on both sides, then clip close. read the bottle carefully. make sure it will dry clear and is washable.

quilt some scrap samples to practice on. you don't want blobs. you want thin, smooth smears that will glue down the thread and not show.

Oh good! I'm glad all of you think it can be saved! Woo hoo!!! I know I need to get it done, baby was born in March :oops:, but I love sewing and I might just have to work on something else in progress today.

If the thread is short, push the needle into the quilt FIRST so the eye ends up near the thread, then use a needle threader to slip the short end through the eye then bury inside the quilt :D

Izy, that's probably the most important tip I've read in years. :!: Thanks so much.