Backstitching on blocks

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06-01-2012, 11:08 AM

#71

JanieH

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Join Date: Feb 2011

Location: Houston, TX

Posts: 7,312

Quote:

Originally Posted by feline fanatic

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.

This has been a really interesting discussion. I had never really thought about it - I guess because when I first started quilting I was "told" not to. But now I can justify why I don't do it.

06-01-2012, 11:46 AM

#72

funnyfarm

Member

Join Date: Jul 2009

Posts: 29

I do, especially on flannel, which I love to work with. I do the back stitch at the 1/4" area rather than right at the beginning of the seam. I just think that with the weight of the flannel, it is better to be safe.

06-01-2012, 01:56 PM

#73

Latrinka

Super Member

Join Date: Aug 2010

Location: Slidell, Louisiana

Posts: 6,951

I backstitch on everything!

06-02-2012, 06:19 AM

#74

tngal22

Senior Member

Thread Starter

Join Date: Dec 2011

Posts: 697

Even with all the good points made, I still do it. I would rather be safe than sorry. Ya'll have given some great tips and advice though, so thank you!

06-02-2012, 06:44 AM

#75

patchsamkim

Super Member

Join Date: Oct 2010

Location: Fox Valley Wisconsin

Posts: 1,920

Quote:

Originally Posted by feline fanatic

There is no need to backstitch when piecing your blocks because the stitching will be anchored when another piece is stitched to it.
I only backstitch when the final outside border goes on at the edge and when I attach my binding and am doing mitered corners.

That is what I do too...never backstitch while making blocks.

06-02-2012, 07:16 AM

#76

bunbytes

Senior Member

Join Date: Jan 2012

Location: Texas

Posts: 653

I usually backstitch, especially when doing foundation quilting because I know I will have to remove the paper from the back. It just takes a second and after all that work, I'd hate to have my stitches come undone.

06-02-2012, 07:42 AM

#77

T-Anne

Senior Member

Join Date: Oct 2011

Location: WA

Posts: 412

I set my machine up so it does it automatically always then I don't have to fuss with it.

06-03-2012, 06:25 AM

#78

emlee51

Senior Member

Join Date: May 2011

Location: The Silver State Nevada

Posts: 670

Quote:

Originally Posted by bearisgray

I did learn that if I cut the thread right next to the fabric - that the stitching could pull out easily - that's why I sort of do a 'running' start with several stitches made before the needle hits the fabric and several stitches made after the needle is off the fabric

This is what I do, too. I do backstitch when I paper piece.

06-03-2012, 06:57 AM

#79

SueSew

Super Member

Join Date: Jan 2011

Location: Nawth o' Boston

Posts: 1,879

Quote:

Originally Posted by snipforfun

Especially with polyester thread!

Oh true, I can look at that OhSo Fine and if I leave only 1/4" at each end of the piece it LAUGHS at me and proceeds to slip right out, no matter how small a needle I use. I have to sew very close machine stiches.

But I need a little 'give' in the pieces to help my block ease into the right shape, and if I stabilized the beginning and end of each piece, I think that would be difficult.