alternative to sitd
 

I am teaching myself how to quilt. I am learning alot on this site. As an alternative to sitd, which is the only thing I know how to do, some of you advise to use a serpentine or zigzag stitch. Does this go over both sides of the seam? In other words, do you stitch down the center of the seam so that you are sewing on one layer of fabric on one side and three layers on the other side where you have pressed the seam allowances? Am I making myself clear? Thanks.

Howdy and welcome, from TX! I've yet to do this (but plan to, very soon) but I'm sure that's the way it's meant to be done. You'd end up with half of the design, on either side of the "ditch." Instead of wobbly, it'll just look kinda fancy! :thumbup:

you can do it that way if you want- or you can do a decorative stitch across blocks- with nothing to do with the seams- or you can go down the seams it is your choice- batting (density) is dependant on your batting- some batting allows up to 10" between stitching lines- some batts need to be quilted every 2"- 4" if you are using a batt that requires closer stitching you can do cross-hatch lines- or free motion quilting- making designs in your blocks- you can use any decorative stitch your machine offers & sew the decorative stitch where ever you want in your blocks- how ever you want to do it is ok- if you just want to stitch down your seams- as long as they are close enough for the batting you are using you can do that too-

Here's an example of beautiful serpentine stitching. Click the link for pics.

http://www.redpepperquilts.com/2010/...oin-quilt.html

I like to center my serpentine stitch over the seam(s), because of the nature of the stitch if you "drift " a bit it really does not show up... it a very forgiving stitch/method . But I also like to use a varigated thread with the serpentine .

Peggi,

Thank you for that link. I have a baby quilt top finished and put it aside because I was tired of doing stitch in the ditch. Not too good at free motion yet (maybe never.) This idea of using the decorative stitching on one of my machines is the way to go. Can't wait to try it. Another UFO bites the dust soon!!!

also, to make it easier, if you have one, use a walking foot. It feeds the three layers more evenly.

I have also used other decorative stitches, such as the feather stitch to do my machine quilting. Love the looks. Have never done a really large quilt, as it takes longer, but it is fun to do once in awhile on a lap quilt.

When I used to quilt on my DSM I had very few choices of decorative stitches. I found stitching right next to the ditch to be a great solution. I varied from 1/8" to 1/4" away from the seam lines using my foot as a guage. I could only do this with smaller size quilts because it involved turning the quilt quite a bit. I wouldn't attempt it with anything much bigger than 60" square. I would also mix in handquilting for the more elaborate designs because I never felt comfortable FMQ on my domestic. Here is a link to a quilt I did both these techniques with:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...ar-t25770.html