I haven't read all the posts, but had to come back to the 'puter and tell you the trick to SITD. I don't do anyting but machine stitching so this is what I started out doing. I couldn't keep in in the ditch. It was a tight meander and I hated it. Then I picked up some "invisible" thread at Hancocks. That works! Put it on the top side with regular thread on the bobbin/bottom. Buy good quality thread and you may have to adjust your tension a little. You don't want it to stretch going to the needle or kink up below the spool. This can happen. Play with it. Make a quilt for the cat/dog. You can not see the incorrect stitches especially after your quilt is washed. You'll get the hang of it. And after several quilts you'll be so good you can stitch IN the ditch with real thread.