seazteddy

I've been stitching in the ditch and it bunches up. It looks like a drunk did it. I've tried ripping and re-pinning, no luck same problem. any ideas?

Tartan

Try reducing the pressure on your foot. I like using the serpentine stitch rather then stitch in the ditch sometimes. If you are pin basting, they need to be about every 4-6 inches.

ArtsyOne

How did you join the layers? I used to have the same problem until I switched to aerosol basting spray. The reason I mention this after you've already some some work is that you said you've unsewed it, so there is still the opportunity to start over. Good luck!

stitch678

By " bunching up", do you mean it's gathering up the quilt, or nesting threads beneath? I take it you have your walking foot on for this , and a proper quilting or topstitch needle for the thickness of thread you're using. So perhaps the tension is too tight...loosen it it tiny increments on a practice sandwich made with similar fabric & same batting as your project. And l agree with Tartan, if your machine allows, lessen pressure on the foot.

quilterpurpledog

There are so many variables when you stitch together two layers of fabric and batting that I think it wise to always make a scrap sandwich and try out the stitching, needle, tension and thread before starting on the quilt itself. You don't have to rip out on the scrap sandwich. I keep a little notebook to record my successful combinations. My favorite combination and used most often is Bottom line thread to STID; King Tut (40 weight) to do quilt design work; 50 weight cotton in the bobbin; and, size 14/90 topstitch needle.

PaperPrincess

Are you using a walking foot?

gingerd

Walking foot? That will keep your fabrics (top, middle, bottom) together as you sew.

nativetexan

also don't use a small stitch if bunching is occurring.

Prism99

This can happen for a variety of reasons. Some machines are simply not strong enough to pull the sandwich layers through evenly. What machine are you using? Whether using a walking foot or not, any drag on the quilt will prevent the layers from feeding. It helps to lift the front of the quilt up in the air so the quilt feeds from above to the feed dogs; however, you still have to be careful there is no drag on the sides of the quilt. Just having a quilt fall over the edge of your sewing table will create drag and create problems.

Honestly, though, my recommendation is not to do stitch in the ditch. It is my least favorite quilting method because it is so difficult to do well, even when you have a good machine. When I noticed my anxiety levels climbing when stitching in the ditch, I researched other ways to quilt that are much easier and faster. One of my favorites is gently curving lines that do not need to follow seams. If you Google "wavy line quilting" you can find a variety of images. Here are a few examples of what I am talking about:
http://betteroffthread.com/2013/03/0...ting-tutorial/
https://www.cloverandviolet.com/2017...-tutorial.html
https://sewfreshquilts.blogspot.com/...ch-finish.html

gigi712

I love those wavy lines, Prism. I do my straight line quilting a 1/4" of so from the seam. It's easier than stitch in the ditch for me.