Originally Posted by
quiltbuddy
I have an ancient degree (2 years) in classic French couture sewing and we were NEVER allowed to even think about using the back stitch. The l needle was left in the down position with the presser foot raised and the fabric was turned to take a few more stitches. It looks neater and there's no chance of the fabric bunching up. I have guilt feelings to this day about sewing in reverse on ANY machine.
I think what you are describing is to put the needle down into the fabric, turn it around, take a few stitches, turn it around again with the needle down and go forward from there. Is that correct? How does that differ from using reverse? I know what you mean about feeling guilty. There are certain short cuts i cannot take because of my high school sewing teacher that taught me the "right way" to do things.