Stitch Length

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06-02-2012, 09:27 AM

#31

Helen S

Super Member

Join Date: Mar 2012

Location: Vancouver, Washington State

Posts: 2,113

I hold the thread ends taut and sew a few stitches at the beginning before the feed dog actually picks up the fabric to feed it through which produces a sort of knot that, so far, has kept the ends from coming undone. I do the same at the other end of the seam by stitching a few stitches off the end. When I cut the thread I leave those few stitches in tact.

06-02-2012, 11:01 AM

#32

flybreit

Senior Member

Join Date: Jan 2010

Location: Hartsburg, Mo

Posts: 309

I usually use 2.0 stitch length. Right now I'm taking a class and the instructor told us to try reducing our presser foot tension to 4.5 - it won't 'push' the fabric so much. What a difference! You might want to give it a try....

06-02-2012, 11:30 AM

#33

chris_quilts

Super Member

Join Date: Dec 2009

Location: leavenworth, ks

Posts: 3,093

Quote:

Originally Posted by burchquilts

I sew with what I consider a pretty small stitch, too. I have a Featherweight that I do all my quilting on & I set the stitch at about 15 stitches per inch. That's pretty small, isn't it? I know it sure seems that way when I have to take those puppies back out... LOL!

Rebecca, I too use about 15 stitches per inch. Small but big enough to see to unsew when mecessary.
I really think the answer to this question depends upon whether you're using a vintage machine or a newer machine.

06-02-2012, 11:37 AM

#34

Quiltlady330

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Join Date: Aug 2011

Location: Paradise, Texas

Posts: 916

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rose Marie

Most of the time I just use the standard setting.
It does help to shorten the stitch length a little.
My machine is 2.5 and I shorten to 2.0.
I do not backstitch since you sew over your seams when piecing.
If you paper piece you do need to shorten the stitch length.

I agree. I shorten a bit for paper piecing but I don't for anything else. I use 2.5 almost exclusively for piecing. Backstitching is unnecessary when pieces are stitched together.