Backstitching on blocks

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05-31-2012, 09:12 AM

#51

Nell Dwyer

Junior Member

Join Date: Jun 2011

Posts: 177

I learned the hard way-Quilt seams not happy with No backstitch-now I automatic do it on all my projects and quilts-Safe to do, than be sorry-and with out it when seams did go together they stretched some and came apart.

05-31-2012, 09:15 AM

#52

snipforfun

Super Member

Join Date: Jul 2010

Posts: 1,877

Quote:

Originally Posted by bearisgray

I do not backstitch - BUT I do leave about 1/4 of an inch of stitching/thread at each end of the seam.

Especially with polyester thread!

05-31-2012, 09:47 AM

#53

mythreesuns

Senior Member

Join Date: Dec 2010

Location: Central Wisconsin

Posts: 718

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

This is what my aunt told me to do also..it wasn't for quilting, but sewing other items. It does work..

05-31-2012, 09:57 AM

#54

gitlisgal

Member

Join Date: Mar 2011

Location: Newport, Oregon

Posts: 14

Backstitching and stitch length

It is not necessary to backstitch at the beginning and ending of each seam. When you sew the next piece in place it automatically locks that seam in place. If you are using a smaller stitch length as you sew it also helps. From the right side of your pieced blocks when you pull on the block, if you can see your stitches between the sections your stitches are too long, so just shorten your stitch length and you will have a much stronger seam. I have quilts that are 20 plus years of age that I made and they have been washed and handled many, many times and I have never had a seam turn loose because I learned over 30 years ago that it is not necessary to backstitch. And leaving at least 1/4" of thread at the start and ending of each seam is very good.

Gitlisgal from Oregon

05-31-2012, 10:03 AM

#55

ThreadHead

Senior Member

Join Date: Mar 2011

Location: Org. Texas now Florida

Posts: 846

backstitching

Quote:

Originally Posted by tngal22

Do you backstitch at the beginning and end when you are pieces your blocks together?

I do but when I watch tutorials, it seems alot don't, or just skip that step when showing you how to do it.

Just wondering as I am working on my Berenstain Bears quilt, nope not telling what pattern I picked out. You will just have to wait and see.

No I don't backstitch. I hold a little tention on the fabric and it stitches in place about 3 times which hold just fine.
Syl

05-31-2012, 10:13 AM

#56

majormom

Senior Member

Join Date: Mar 2010

Location: Manchester, NH

Posts: 701

Quote:

Originally Posted by bearisgray

I do not backstitch - BUT I do leave about 1/4 of an inch of stitching/thread at each end of the seam.

I am very careful to do this also. It keeps the blocks stitched without having to take the time to reverse the machine etc.

05-31-2012, 10:47 AM

#57

PolkaBabe

Super Member

Join Date: Dec 2010

Location: Iowa City, IA.

Posts: 1,076

I didn't back stitch on the one I just made, & I did cut the tails, so yes I noticed that some of the seams were coming apart. I am hoping that quilting it will take care of it.

05-31-2012, 10:50 AM

#58

rusty quilter

Super Member

Join Date: Oct 2010

Location: Maple City, MI

Posts: 2,135

I don't back stitch, but am sure to use a smaller stitch in general, like a 2.0 instead of the 2.5 used in dressmaking.

05-31-2012, 11:56 AM

#59

117becca

Super Member

Join Date: Oct 2010

Location: dayton OH

Posts: 1,911

I always backstitch when i can - esp when doing Y-seams. I don't like fixing things later.

05-31-2012, 11:57 AM

#60

Friday1961

Super Member

Join Date: Apr 2012

Location: Texas

Posts: 2,369

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jennie and Me

I used to do the backstitch thing all of the time, now I just do it sometimes. A few years ago my backstitch button wore out...when I took it in to be repaired they looked at me like I'd grown another head. The shop owner said, "I never backstitch!" And everyone else agreed with her. Made me feel like I was doing something wrong. I still think that it needs to be done. Probably a rule from Home Ec. that stuck in my brain those oh so many years ago...well, at least something stuck in my brain.

I always backstitched when making my own clothes, but when I began quilting, I read that you were not supposed to, so I don't.....except at the end of long borders; then I do, thinking I want the extra assurance that it won't come loose when grabbing the edges to move or rearrange the quilt before it is backed and quilted. I assumed the instruction not to backstitch had something to do with bulk when matching seams....but maybe it just had to do with possible ripping out! ;-)