Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
Backstitching on blocks >

Backstitching on blocks

Backstitching on blocks

Old 05-30-2012, 10:22 AM
  #11  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Harrisburg, OR
Posts: 443
Default

I do on the edges, and when I sew garments and bags.
misskira is offline  
Old 05-30-2012, 10:29 AM
  #12  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Peotone IL
Posts: 2,802
Default

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
gramajo is offline  
Old 05-30-2012, 10:34 AM
  #13  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: MO (the Show Me state)
Posts: 2,947
Default

i always backstitch. i wannna make sure my seams have the hardest time of their life trying to come apart.
Havplenty is offline  
Old 05-30-2012, 12:06 PM
  #14  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 317
Default

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.
elizajo is offline  
Old 05-30-2012, 12:27 PM
  #15  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
Default

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.
ckcowl is offline  
Old 05-30-2012, 01:01 PM
  #16  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
tngal22's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 697
Default

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!
tngal22 is offline  
Old 05-30-2012, 01:46 PM
  #17  
Super Member
 
BKrenning's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Lake Wales, FL, USA
Posts: 1,554
Default

Originally Posted by ckcowl View Post
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.
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.
BKrenning is offline  
Old 05-30-2012, 02:01 PM
  #18  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,445
Default

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.
Tartan is offline  
Old 05-30-2012, 02:03 PM
  #19  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 15,639
Default

Nope, I don't backstitch.
MadQuilter is offline  
Old 05-30-2012, 02:14 PM
  #20  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Outer Space
Posts: 9,319
Default

Originally Posted by feline fanatic View Post
There is no need to backstitch when piecing your blocks because the stitching will be anchored when another piece is stitched to it. If we had to backstitch for all piecing that would be the death of strip style peicing and you couldn't possibly do a Bargello style quilt, no assembly line piecing ala Bonnie Hunter. I only backstitch when the final outside border goes on at the edge and when I attach my binding and am doing mitered corners.
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.
Candace is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
bearisgray
Main
25
09-10-2019 03:05 PM
caroljean77
Main
12
11-29-2018 07:00 AM
QuiltingByCourtney
Main
51
11-02-2012 06:29 AM
Moonpi
Pictures
16
09-22-2012 01:42 PM
moonhoney2
Main
10
10-30-2009 05:45 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


FREE Quilting Newsletter