I need some help knowing how to handle a stitch-n-the-ditch dilemma. I am working on a quilt that has some blocks that are not square. How do you stitch these? Do you continue to make a straight stitch line or do you follow the block? If I follow the ditch line it will be crooked on the back. Thanks for any help.

I'd follow the block.

I'd follow the block too. That's the idea of stitching in the ditch, you follow the existing seam.

Follow the block.

Ditto.

Thank you for all the responses, I've not done stitch-in-the-ditch before and you would think it would be self explanatory, but when you start to plan the quilting it take some thought.

Also, another question? What would you do if following the ditch would make the stitch line up to 1/4" off on the back? This is a quilt I volunteered to do for someone.

Well I would think they would be more concerned with the appearance of the front than the back. I would definitely follow the block.

When I had that problem on my first quilt, I did a stitch-beside-the-ditch (on both sides of the ditch that is) and it turned out great. So much character... considering my stitches had a lot of love but were not much on technique at the time. Instead of just squares and rectangles, the back looked more like frames. Good luck.

most people do not worry so much about the back of the quilt, as long as there are no big wrinkles, creases. the backing should be nice and smooth but the top is where the quilting is going to show...the back is going to be (down) and not noticed.

follow the line and all should be well. The back will have an interesting design but will probably no be seen