Opinions on backstitching please?
10-29-2012, 09:06 PM
#11
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Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 764
i back stitch most of my seams. i have learned to do about 5 stitches. on my machine that prevents complications at the end there (when i remove fabric from the machine i have to be mindful of pulling the threads, which can bunch my seam. that's not so worrisome when it's back stitched.)
sometimes it does cause problems in that it can make your seams thick/bumpy. and it's hell on points.
aileen
sometimes it does cause problems in that it can make your seams thick/bumpy. and it's hell on points.
aileen
Last edited by stillclock; 10-29-2012 at 09:19 PM.
10-29-2012, 09:14 PM
#12
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
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Originally Posted by Scissor Queen
The only place I ever back stitch is the last seams on the outer border. Everything else is crossed by another line of stitching plus I strip piece and chain piece and you don't back stitch when you do that. If you leave just a teeny bit of the chain between pieces it won't come apart.
10-30-2012, 03:40 AM
#13
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Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 17,718
Originally Posted by Candace
Backstitching only creates bulk and is not needed. If the stitching is coming undone the stitch length is probably too long. Quilting will secure the seams. I've NEVER backstitched and my quilts are washed frequently and used.
Each seam is cross stitched with the next seam which gives the protection needed.
Stitch length can make a difference either ways.
As ScissorsQ mentioned those few stitches of the chain piecing helps too.
Backstitching can also create some wonky-ness to a block ... inevitably it's not precisely on the same row of stitching.
There's only one place I backstitch is on the final outside border, as it will never have a cross stitch on top of it.
Even then it's not backstitching as I use the lock stitch!
10-30-2012, 03:46 AM
#14
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Monroe, IN
Posts: 2,283
I never backstitch....too many times the fabric bunches up, or you don't get it right on the seam line...specially when chain piecing....I do, however, shorten my stitch length (on my 6600 I drop it down to 2.5)....it helps to prevent those ends from coming apart....most helpful when making a bargello or other pieces that are sewn then cut.
10-30-2012, 03:52 AM
#15
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Knot Merrill, Southern Indiana
Posts: 5,781
I am in company with most of the others. I don't backstitch ... almost never on a pieced block. Not even on the outside edge of a block that I plan to store.
I backstitch when making garments, and I backstitch when adding my binding and on the corners of my binding.
that's pretty much it.
I backstitch when making garments, and I backstitch when adding my binding and on the corners of my binding.
that's pretty much it.
10-30-2012, 03:58 AM
#16
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Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
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Originally Posted by Buckeye Rose
....I do, however, shorten my stitch length (on my 6600 I drop it down to 2.5)....it helps to prevent those ends from coming apart....
Piecing for me is at a minimum of 2.0 !!
10-30-2012, 04:34 AM
#19
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: howell, Mi
Posts: 2,345
I do the same thing that Scissor Queen does. You can't back stitch when you chain stitch. At first I had a terrible time not back stitching since I usually made clothing and it was habit. My quilts stay together with no problems. I do shorten the stitches--I think it makes them more secure. Those of you who have problems with the stitching coming apart are probably using to long of a stitch. imho
Sue
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