misskira

I do on the edges, and when I sew garments and bags.

gramajo

I never backstitch. If the pieces that are being stitched together will be stitched to another piece/block, that stitching will hold the seam. I secure my stitches for binding, quilting, etc with 4 or 5 stitches with the machine set at .2, the smallest stitch my machine will allow. The instructorof a FMQing class I took told us to do that. I've never had any of it come out. Not only that, I think it's easier than backstitching. And anything to make my life easier

Havplenty

i always backstitch. i wannna make sure my seams have the hardest time of their life trying to come apart.

elizajo

It's hard to break the backstitch habit. Even when I'm chain piecing I can't resist taking one little backstitch at the second to last stitch at the end of each patch seam. At the beginning of small pieces, it's harder to backstitch, so I hold my finger on the patch in front of the presser foot forcing my machine to take a couple of small stitches. My quilts get washed several times a month, so I want the seams to stay put.

ckcowl

rule of thumb is---if your line of stitching will be crossed by another line of stitching- back/stay stitch is not necessary- if the line of stitching stands on it's own- not crossed (which secures it) then a staystitch should be done- either by backstitching or stitching almost in place for 3-5 stitches.

tngal22

With my new machine it is easier. I used stitch #3 which automatically does the first backstitch then I just hit one button at the end and it does the end backstitch. Love that option!

BKrenning

This is how I do it except I also backstitch when sewing rows together. The extra weight & tugging makes the thread start to pull apart and sometimes it pulls down past where the next seam will intersect. I will also backstitch when attaching borders for the same reason but single blocks don't seem to have the problem.

Tartan

I only back stitch on the final outer pieces of my blocks. I saw a tip recently that said to start your needle in about 1/4 inch from the edge and back stitch to the edge and then proceed. I like this idea since it keeps the feed dogs from eating the start of the fabric.

MadQuilter

Nope, I don't backstitch.

Candace

Yup, this is true. And backstitching just adds bulk from more thread in the seams. I've pieced and quilted for 18 years and have never had seams come undone.