If you're SID, make sure you outline all the important components so it looks "finished". Some blocks outlined and not others will make the unquilted parts stick out. When I FM, I use the width of my hand as a guide. That to me is the farthest apart it should be quilted to look right. And it depends whether you're doing a bed quilt or wall quilt. More quilting makes it stiffer and not so cuddly, so you might want to reserve the tight qulting for the wall - or tablerunners/placemats.

It depends on the batting----like they said, read the label carefully---but it also depends on what it is. If it's a wall quilt, likely to be washed only a few times ever----I'd do what you want regardless of the instructions on the batting. If it's a bed quilt----or a kid's quilt----follow those directions!

I struggle with machine quilting and usually do some diagonal straight line quilting about two inches apart. My favorite quilting is by hand, but it takes a long time to finish. It is difficult for me to handle the bulk of the quilt in my Bernina machine. I have a Bernina stitch regulator and use that for small projects but can't seem to handle a large quilt. Just as someone above said, the closer the stitch lines are, the stiffer the quilt. It also depends on the look you want. I like the old fashioned "crinkled" look and I can get that using the warm and natural cotton batting. I even hand quilted one using a stencil of meandering lines. Good Luck

I usually stitch in the ditch and do free motion on the borders. I don't like the whole quilt- quilted so much that it is stiff and not cuddly. All that fancy quilting to me is for entering in a show. I like soft and pliable quilts. Just my preference.

As always on this Board - - I am glad this question came up - - I know a lot more having read this far than I knew before! :-)

Marysewfun

Your batting generally determines the distance in quilting lines. Most stippling is for enhancement. The quilting should enchance your piecing, not over power it nor create the "plain Jane" look. In longarm quilting, I tell customers never more than a fist width apart at any point, regardless that Warm and Natural, or any other co. says 10 inches apart. Even your backing and cotton on top will sag at 10" apart. Talk to those who longarm quilt in your community - most are willing to share their thoughts too.

depends on the batting, should say on your batting package how far the lines can be apart

it depends on your batting , i use warm and natural or white because you can go up to 10 inches with no stitching with this batting but i make it less

I was told at a class that the fist method is fairly safe in most cases. Make a fist and lay on fabric, fingers down and that should be the maximum width to space your quilting.

As a general rule of thumb, I quilt 3" apart. that covers just about all types of batting and will secure the quilt adequately.