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.

Yes starting with tiny stiches and ending with tiny stiches works fine. I have never had a problem with it not holding.

This is the same thing I have wondered about. With my machine, I so like using my scissors on the machine to cut thread, leaving too short of tails to tie and bury, I just go back and forth and hope for the best. Were I not to use the scissors I could tie, but my laziness comes out and I do not. Above all I always want the stitiching to stay in place. I love this board, I can see we all share the same issues at times in quilting.

I've done bothe the stitch in place (I've noticed a tiny build up on the back when I do) and the stitch back & forth 2x's then proceed. I guess it depends on what mood I'm in.

It is better to do the several tiny stitches, than the stitch in one place knot stitch. If anyone ever cuts off the "glob" there will be no know, and stitches will unravel. It is next to impossible to rip out the tiny stitches.
Other good option would be to leave tails, and tying off and then bury the threads, usually along a seam.

Me three! ;0