Ditching....
 

I have to ditch my NY Beauty...every stinking seam. :shock:

Has anyone used the "ditching foot" and is it worthwhile?

I'm also wondering if this is going to be nigh on impossible to do with a foot as I will have to turn the entire quilt constantly...Does anyone ditch FMQ? I've tried it a bit and it seems OK so maybe this is the way to go?

Watson

Oh my, you scared me. When you said ditching, I thought you were throwing it away. :)

I ditch on my longarm with a ruler and it's still hard to stay in the ditch all the time. I highly recommend Superior's new MicroQuilter thread. It's 100 wt, so it really snugs down into the ditch. I have heard of quilters who free motion when ditching on a DSM, because of all the turning required otherwise. But I'm curious why you "have" to ditch ESS?

Does your machine have either the Pfaff IDT or a walking foot?

Could you make a "sample" to practice with? I am wondering if you could do some reverse stitching here and there to get from point A to point B instead of turning the whole piece completely around?

I "discovered" that when I was trying to sew on some 1/2 inch squares of velcro - then I would only have to make a 1/4 turn and that was less painful than trying to make a 1/2 turn.

You could also make a drawing (or take a picture) of your project and draw lines on that to plan ahead your "route" while quilting it - if you could tolerate crossings or occasional overlaps, that might also make it easier?

Why do you "have" to? I never SITD.

when SITD, I do best with my open toe foot and strong glasses :)

I free motion in the ditch frequently....mine are not show quilts,however.

I say "have" to, because it will look the best in the end. And, I've put enough work into this, I might as well do it right at this point, I figure.

I will try with the ruler foot and ruler on a sample, but I don't think my seams are that straight. I'll give it a try, though.

Watson

Me too and I use my regular DSM. The nice thing is that you can just adjust the ruler and you don't have to turn the quilt. Either matching thread or monofilament works well to hide the imperfections. I also tend to go a bit slower with the rulers so I do hit that ditch.

With such a beautiful quilt, you will do it just fine. Just take your time.

I do this with the ditch foot with my Janome 9400...it's tedious; take many breaks....good lighting is essential....don't let the machine get ahead of where you're comfortable.......and yes, much turning of the quilt......the largest I've done is a queen size....

I do FMQ stitch in the ditch with my DSM. I have just made myself learn to do it because I don't want to turn the quilt. I don't use a ruler because I have not really used mine enough to be comfortable with them. I use a closely matching thread color. The last one I did was my log cabin QOV and I did each "log." Your design is more intricate, of course, but you can do it. You will be an expert at it when you are done.

I have one of the "ditch" feet you mentioned, but I really almost never use it. When I need to SITD, I use a walking foot and just take my time.

Watson, can I suggest that instead of ditching everything, that you sew about 1/4" inside the seam? You'll get the same impact from quilting, but not have to worry about sliding out of the ditch at seam intersections, etc.

Hope you can follow this.
(If you don't want to give it to a LA and frankly not all will do ruler work.) After you have 'basted' WELL, pins or stitching, plan on starting near the center. Work in a continuous path outward only partially completing a section or block, turning no more that 90+ degrees off your starting position in either direction. When you get to the edge, go back to the centre starting point and again work out in the opposite direction. Continue this pattern on either side of the stitched area carefully linking with the already stitched edge. Yes you may have to overstitch a few places/times but this way you will never have to turn your quilt 270 or 360.

Thanks, everyone for your help and suggestions.
I have been practicing with leftover blocks and I think the FMQ will be OK.
I bought some Decobob thread in Lilac and Charcoal, which is an 80 weight and it blends really well as long as I'm careful. Took some adjusting, as I double batted it, but I think I've got it right.
Now I just have to get up the nerve to start on the actual quilt!


Watson

Good luck, Watson. I can't wait to see it finished. It's positively gorgeous.

When I SITD/FMQ I use YLI invisible monofilament thread. Don't have to worry about matching thread color :-)

The stitch in a ditch foot does make it easier, because it has the metal piece in the middle to help it stay in the seam, I have a Viking and can use mine with the walking foot, it has interchangeable with different feet

I stay out of the ditch as much as possible and usually go just to either side. Enough to catch the seam allowance. I tried to free motion in the ditch without success. It's one of those things that takes lots of practice. I have a ditch foot but don't really like it. The bar that fits into the ditch, blocks the view and somehow, I get it askew anyway.

I FMQ the ditch using a ruler and my ruler foot. I’ve never been successful staying in the ditch when using a regular stitch in the ditch foot.

Rob

Watson, don't know if you already have your batting chosen or your "sandwich" made but just wanted to suggest Quilters Dream wool batting for your beautiful quilt. It really makes quilting stand out and I think it would be beautiful with your quilt.

I have a Pfaff and bought a ditching foot, which has a little prow. Compared to my previous effort at staying in the ditch, there is no comparison. It’s wonderful.

I also use monofilament. That way when you do go outside the seam line, and you will, it doesn't show as much.

I like this idea because no matter how carefully you piece your quilt you can still be 2 or 3 threads off at an intersection.