icul8rg8r

First of all, I've been told there is no such thing as a dumb question on this board - to which I say whew!

In home-ec classes I learned the same thing and although I've barely sewn much since then until lately, I can still hear that rule dancing in my head. It's a hard habit to break. Like others have said, I have slowly come to realize that in most cases, there is rarely any need to lock or back-stitch in piecing my quilt-tops - I will probably backstitch on the borders.

sewbizgirl

My stitch length is much shorter for quilt piecing than for sewing garments, so no back tacking is necessary. The tiny sts don't come loose.

Jingle

I very seldom do a back stitch, sometimes it is necessary. It depends on the pattern I'm making. I find it is best to do a long stitch around my quilts before I trim the sandwich. That way it is easier to keep all the layrs together. I usually do a 3/8" seam when sewing my binding onto the front. I am always looking for easier, faster, or better ways of doing things.

seamstome

I do back stitch if I am going to handle the piece alot just so it doesn't come apart. For example, something with a bias that would be part of a block with 16 sections I will back stitch a couple. This drives my GF who teaches quilting batty but makes me happy. Yes it is probably unnecessary but it makes me comfortable and that seam aint never coming apart!

cathyvv

If your stitch size is large, then locking the stitches makes sense.

If your stitch size is small, it's much less likely to come apart at the ends.

I found that out the hard way...

Jackietellijohn60

I can't visualize this. Does anyone wish to share a quick picture?

scrappingfaye58

when you are piecing, you do not need to "lock stitch". You are going to be cutting those pieces most likely if you are strip piecing, or at the very least, you will be crossing that seam with a new seam. When you are actually quilting, you should "bury" those long threads when you have completed all the quilting, so no, you would not lock those seams either. The only time I ever do that, is in garment construction or perhaps when sewing something like a tote. I have started doing Bonnie Hunter's "Leaders and Enders" where you sew on 2" squares (or whatever other project you choose) and leave those under the pressure foot when you finish chain piecing.. it saves thread and prohibits thread snarls when you stop or start a seam

twinkie

I don't lock stitches either.

meyert

Thank you so much for all of your responses! I am learning more every day!

Sassy08

Inquiring minds want to know . . . .
I am sew, sew happy you asked this question. As a seamstress, I've always backstitched. As being brand new to quilting, my seam ripper has become my new best friend, and backstitching makes taking out stitches not so easy. No wonder I'm addicted to QB--I learned something again, as every time I read it.