I've tried crosshatching a long time ago and didn't do it very well. The fabric bunched up where the stitching crossed. Also, do you do the crosshatching first in the background or the motif quilting? Isn't there a lot of stopping and starting?
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I've tried crosshatching a long time ago and didn't do it very well. The fabric bunched up where the stitching crossed. Also, do you do the crosshatching first in the background or the motif quilting? Isn't there a lot of stopping and starting?
Molly O
You must be machine quilting. I only hand quilt so I can't help you there.
If you're crosshatching the entire quilt and using a DSM, stitch entire lines, starting from the center out. I guess that means you're stitching half lines, not entire lines...And, as happyquiltmom said, a walking foot is an integral factor in success.
I've had bunching problems where the crosshatching meets, too. You just have to make sure you baste really well. I starch my backing heavily which also seems to help. Depending on the quilt, there can be a lot of stopping and starting. Since I hate to bury threads, I try my best to create a quilting pattern that minimizes it.
If you are not using a walking foot, by all means, do! Starching and using a walking foot should make a big difference.
The key is to vary the directions you are sewing when doing it. i.e.
First row ---------->>>>>>>>
Next row <<<<<<<------------
Next row ---------->>>>>>>>>
and so on.....
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I did one yesterday. I used spray basting and a walking foot. No bunching at all. I think th spray basting is the key.
fatquarters
you also must use your hands to "spread" the fabric away a bit from the needle area when crossing lines. Like Eleanor Burns does. maybe a bit longer stitch length too would help.