cat-on-a-mac

I was just getting ready to post this same comment. When I'm just doing machine quilting (not FMQ) and can't start my stitching "off" the quilt top, I use my machine's lock stitch option, which locks at the beginning and end of the sewn line. Then I can just clip off the threads w/o having to bury the ends.

Maribeth

I am sure someone already said this, but I don't lock patchwork, because the next row usually crosses and locks the seam for me, though I do lock the borders rows.

tessagin

I sometimes backstitch a couple 3-4.

teric

I also stay stitch 1/4 " around..

sulyle

I almost never lockstitch when I'm piecing. Most seams cross over other seams so there's no need. As others have said, I also staystitch around the perimeter of the quilt when I'm finished. Kind of makes sure it holds together until I bind it.

matraina

As long as the seam will be intersected by another, you do not have to do a reverse stitch at the beginning or end.

sewNso

i do back stitch lots on the outside of blocks. saves me from having to re stitch here and there, when joining blocks or adding sashing. but sometimes i don't.

Jo Anne B.

Yep! Learned something new! I am going to start stitching the perimeter, I found stitches coming loose, figured I wasn't doing something quite right...

RGAY

This morning it dawned on me that perhaps my sometimes wavy binding could have been caused by not stitching around the perimeter of the quilt top to help prevent distortion before basting and quilting..... I am SO glad this discussion occurred!

quiltmama22

Also on four patches & nine patches ---any block where you want your seams to turn in opposite directions. As you press, allow the few stitches at the intersections to pop open so the iron can
smash them down flat. (Makes the cutest little "four-patch" on the back.) This greatly reduces
bulk, makes a smoother looking surface from the top side, and makes it easier to FMQ as your machine will glide over those intersections much more easily.

Learned this years ago in a class with Georgia Bonesteel (the original queen of QAYG). She in turn learned it from a student in Billings, MT so Georgia called it the "Billings Bonus".