Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
Question about SITD and straight line quilting... >

Question about SITD and straight line quilting...

Question about SITD and straight line quilting...

Old 04-29-2013, 08:02 AM
  #1  
Super Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,369
Default Question about SITD and straight line quilting...

What is the proper or accepted procedure for STID or straight line quilting on a DSM? I've done some of this on small projects--mug rugs, wall hangings, placemats, etc., but have never resolved in my mind the correct way to do it. Now I'm getting ready to quilt a throw size quilt--a gift for my son and DIL-- on my new Brother Innov'is 450Q machine and here's my question:

When using SITD, is it correct to stitch all around the piece you're quilting, as in sew, turn, sew, turn, back to your starting place without crossing a seam line? Or is it considered permissable to straight line quilt --still in the ditch--which means crossing seam lines of pieces and blocks? Is that clear as mud? The first means a lot more stops and starts; the second is quicker, naturally. I suppose it's obvious that I'm a self taught piecer and quilter. Have sewn for many years but have been quiltmaking only about 3 of those.

I'm not long on patience but this is a special project and I want to do it the right way. I'll appreciate input from all those who know!

Thanks!
Friday1961 is offline  
Old 04-29-2013, 08:12 AM
  #2  
Super Member
 
RainyBC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Posts: 1,025
Default

I am still just a beginner and have mostly only quilted smaller projects such as baby quilts, I stitch in the ditch, which to me means stitching down the seam lines. So mainly I stitch straight through the center most lines and work my way out to the edge. Depending on the pattern, I like the end result which is often a very pleasing pattern of stitching on the back of the quilt. Sometimes, if I think it needs more stitching, I will echo ( I think that is the term) quilt squares, using one inch painters tape in order to keep the lines straight. I assume how much quilting depends on the batting one is using. I still have much to learn, but thought this gave me an opportunity to participate in this form.
RainyBC is offline  
Old 04-29-2013, 08:36 AM
  #3  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
Default

There is no wrong way and right way. I have always sewn from one end to the other, starting with the middle of each side. In my mind, starting in the middle gets the most difficult lines out of the way first while there are no other stitching lines to worry about. I have never even thought about quilting in circles (squares), but it seems to me that is less supportive of your batting. Usually you need to cross lines in order to meet batting specifications for how apart quilting lines need to be; the distance between quilting lines is in all directions, not just one.

One problem I ran into at first was getting puckers where I crossed stitching lines. I found that heavily starching both the backing fabric and the top helped a *lot*. I use a 1:1 solution of Sta-Flo liquid laundry starch and water on the backing (I "paint" this on yardage with a large wall painting brush, toss in dryer, and iron with steam) and lots of spray starch on the top. Starch stabilizes the fabric so that you do not inadvertently stretch the fabric as you quilt (which is what causes fabric to fold over and create a tuck or pucker where you cross a line).

Spray basting with 505 also helps because it keeps all 3 layers of the sandwich in continuous contact.
Prism99 is offline  
Old 04-29-2013, 08:40 AM
  #4  
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Sonoma County, California
Posts: 132
Default

I cross over lines all the time. It add to the design in my mind. I start in the center and work outwards. Outwards? Is that a word? Anyhow, that's what I do. I've been doing a lot of shadow quilting. Lots of crossed lines there.
slicksister is offline  
Old 04-29-2013, 09:17 AM
  #5  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Illinois
Posts: 9,312
Default

I cross over lines and backtrack over the same line of quilting all the time. The stopping /starting and making sure you get a good knot for every start and stop can be a real pain in the .... I think it makes the quilting sturdier to not have all the stopping/starting knots. But that just me.
Lori S is offline  
Old 04-29-2013, 09:21 AM
  #6  
Super Member
 
roguequilter's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: over here
Posts: 1,113
Default

Originally Posted by slicksister View Post
I cross over lines all the time. It add to the design in my mind. I start in the center and work outwards. Outwards? Is that a word? Anyhow, that's what I do. I've been doing a lot of shadow quilting. Lots of crossed lines there.
being a long time word inventor for personal use (only lol) i believe outwards is a word, or should be, imho )

i, too, start in moddle and work out. cross lines. i find that stretching backing tight before layering w batt & top, i have very little issue w puckering at crossings. i hand baste - grid of every 3-4" over surface of sandwich. been working for me for a long long time.
roguequilter is offline  
Old 04-29-2013, 09:23 AM
  #7  
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: N E Pennsylvania
Posts: 208
Default

What kind of thread do you use for SID? Do you match the color of your blocks or use invisible thread?
Jerudy is offline  
Old 04-29-2013, 09:32 AM
  #8  
Super Member
 
EasyPeezy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Canada
Posts: 3,449
Default

Like others have said...there are no rules. I usually do straight lines first then if the design
allows me to SID in "circle" I might do that just to avoid lots of starts and stops. One thing
I learned is that if you cross the same line several times it might make your quilt a little
stiffer but also make more crinkles after wash...gives it more that antique look.
EasyPeezy is offline  
Old 04-29-2013, 09:41 AM
  #9  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Jozefow, Poland
Posts: 4,474
Default

Yes, you can cross lines. You can cross lines any time you quilt. If you do loop de loops, you are crossing lots of lines. If you write words, you are crossing lines as well. I think that stippling is one of the ones where you aren't supposed to touch or cross lines, but a lot of the styles of quilting as on Leah Day's site, involve crossed lines.
justflyingin is offline  
Old 04-29-2013, 09:48 AM
  #10  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Rapid City, SD
Posts: 4,961
Default

The nice thing about quilting is there really are no rules - you do what pleases your eye! Your techniques will change as you get more experience. Many times I stitch in the ditch to "anchor" the blocks then I will use a different technique in the middle of the block.
Nammie to 7 is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
molly oldham
Main
14
05-05-2016 07:34 AM
bearisgray
Main
41
10-23-2015 05:21 PM
Zyngawf
Main
3
12-12-2012 10:22 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


FREE Quilting Newsletter