I am trying to get my first quilt done so my daughter can take it to college. I am machine quilting it. I am stitching in the ditch, but my blocks are 6 inches. The batting says it should be quilted 2 to 4 inches. Will I be okay with the 6 inches, or do I have to stay with the 4 inches?

You should be fine...
K

Not to worry, it will turn out perfect. I have quilted around 12" blocks and never had a problem. Would love to see a pic when you are done :)

Thanks. I have really been stressing on that. This is really my second quilt top--but first one I finished. I will quilt my original first quilt top next. I plan on posting pictures. Hopefully, if I have pictures from the beginning I will see some improvement in my skill. LOL.

It depends on how it is going to be used, and how often and how it will be washed.
The reason for the quilting requirements, is to keep the batting from bunching up. IMHO you may be happier on down the road if you do more quilting on it :D:D:D

What pattern are you using? I agree with amma, and would probably quilt an X through each block or something like that in addition to the SID to be safe.

You didn't mention what kind of batting you are using. Some battings don't need to be quilted closer than about 6 inches or so, but I would follow the package guidelines for the batting you are using and quilt as closely as recommended. Remember, the recommended distances are for the widest spacing, not the closest!!

i agree with amma and deema. i know that at college my dd flopped all over her quilt when she studied or relaxed. if it wasn't sturdy it never would have made it.

i would err on the side of caution. especially since it won't be home for repairs.

Maybe you could use a decorative stitch in the center of each 6 inch block or a small embroidery along with the SID around each block.

not enough quilting for the intended use