Originally Posted by karenpatrick
One of the famous quilting experts who was on Sewing with Nancy, can't remember which one, says she uses a small zig zag stitch so that she catches both sides of the ditch. I've tried that and I like it. I've also used one of the decorative stitches on my machine, set for a wide stitch to sitd. I like that way too. I just bought a sitd foot but i haven't used it yet. Not sure how that would work since you wouldn't be using a walking foot. Anybody have experience with this foot and your backing "creeping?"
I watching Sewing w/Nancy this morning showing the layering of the quilt before quilting. Her suggestion was using small strips of fusible web, placing them on the back of the top and the backing, then removing the backing paper and pressing the 3 layers (done is sections to keep things taut and even). It went really fast and looked much easier on the hands and possible the knees than using pins or basting.
I've also used blue tape when I quilt straight lines of any type -- following the edge is much easier on my eyes and disposition. I stitch next to the ditch on the "low" side because I got into the habit when I only did hand quilting.
The biggest thing about quilting is enjoying it. Don't get too stressed out about the 'quilt patrol' unless they'll be receiving the quilt!