FMQ question: Starting & Stopping
 

I've been taking some craftsy classes and noticed that some of the instructors seem to start & stop with tiny stitches. However, some are just stitching in place about 3-4 times during the start & stop.

I'd rather do the 3-4 stitching in place, but worry that it might not hold. Does anyone know whether it holds or not?

I'd also be interested in knowing how you start-stop during FMQ no matter if it is on a domestic machine or long-arm and why.

Thanks,
Dray - SE Oklahoma

I use the FIX option on my machine, which is essentially just the 3-4 stitches in place. It does give a little thread "glob" on the back of the quilt, and if top & bottom threads are the same colour as the back it looks fine, I don't like how it looks if I have a thread that contrasts to the backing. In this case I prefer to back with fleece or flannel as the thread globs hide better in it.

On my "user" quilts I use the 3-4 stitch in place method. For a competition or really special quilt I pull the bottom thread to the top when I start which is later pulled through with the top thread to the back with a needle, knotted and buried. When I stop I leave about 8" of both threads, knot them by hand and bury them in the batting/backing.

My machine has a "knot" stitch that I use.

i don't trust the knot stitches for FMQ

This is my technique, also. The only difference is I don't o 3 or 4 in one place, I move it just the teeniest tiny bit, and I also knot my client quilts instead of small stitches if it is custom. On all over designs, I start and stop outside the edge of the top and the binding will keep it all secure.

I pull up the bobbin thread and do the tiny stitches back and forth then go on. I only quilt for myself so I only need to please me.

Same as above!

I pull up the bobbin thread, stitch forward a couple of tiny stitches, the back one normal stitch & proceed forward normally. If its a really special quilt or my thread is slick, I'll leave threads long, tie off and bury with a spiral needle.

Starting: pull the bottom to the top, use tiny stitch length about 4 stitches, then proceed. It this doesn't seem to be holding, I'll tie the top to bottom thread then with a needle bury it into the sandwich until the knot pops between the fabrics.
Stopping: 4 tiny stitches, pull the bottom to the top and leave 6-8", test for durability, if necessary tie off and bury.