I use 2.7 for piecing (Bernina). The idea that you have to have a finer stitch is based on clothing construction (which is normally 12 stitches to the inch). Unless you are paper piecing, there is no need for such a tight stitch and it is WAY easier to remove the stitches when you make a mistake. My great-grandmother's quilt was handpieced and most of those stitches are maybe 4 to an inch. It held up for 60 years and it was the fabric that gave way. The stitches never did. So, go ahead and continue to have 2.0 or 1.9 settings, but realize that it is a preference. It certainly isn't necessary for the longevity of the quilt and it is certainly an effort to remove those stitches when you make a mistake.
In answer to the original poster, standard clothing setting is 12 stitches to the inch, so I'd go a bit looser than that, personally. Look in your manual and find out what the 'standard' setting is for straight stitch.
Last edited by IAmCatOwned; 01-24-2012 at 10:41 AM.