I try to have my needle in line with the slit on the foot.

Today I did SID for the first time in about 6 months. I was surprised at how good my stitching looked, especially since it had been such a long time. I think my success was due to the fact I went slowly, used invisible thread, and used an open toe walking foot. I have a foot for my walking foot that has the metal guide down the middle; but I do better with the open toe foot. Oh, I did have my quilt well supported by tables and I wore my quilting gloves. Tomorrow I have to do the FMQ on the quilt. I'll probably feel like you did doing SID. Best wishes with using the serpentine stitch if that is what you decide to do.

I use the foot for SID and it works really well for me. It did take a bit of practice, but I am very happy with the results. I also support my quilt with my ironing board beside the machine. You might try that if you haven't.

Dina

I don't like SID either - if i want to go to all that time, I want to see my work. I do a lot of echo quilting - just to one side of the seam.

The trick is to NOT watch the needle, watch the foot. If you guide the foot right along the edge then the needle will follow. If you watch the needle it is too late to correct any mistakes. Also sew on the side of the ditch that has the smallest amount of fabric. Good Luck.

I use the magnifier that attaches to the machine for all my SITD sewing. The ditch looks deep and wide through it so it's easy to stay next to it and not fall in but I sew right in the middle of the seam. I can't machine quilt without the magnifier. It's inexpensive and Walmart has them here. The lights on it aren't worth being on it so I don't even turn them on. I also have a the goose neck magnifier floor hand stitching lamp that is excellent for when I use my regular sewing machine. I put it in front of my needle. It makes a big difference in my piecing. And it uses batteries too if the power goes out. The light is very bright.

http://www.simplicity.com/p-5219-cc-...magnifier.aspx machine attachment

http://www.mightybright.com/Magnifie...-and-Magnifier I bought it at a local needlework shop but it's cheaper online at Amazon and Sears has some really nice ones.

Several people have suggested invisible thread. If you are sewing for someone with sensitive skin (or a baby/child), please do NOT use that stuff! Every little end piece will itch, like the devil . . . and no matter how carefully you bury the ends, they WILL poke through! :thumbdown:

I can't make my SID perfect so I either go next to the ditch or use a decorative stitch. I have not mastered it and I don't want to try...lol. I hope you can get it. :)

I just did a small tutorial for those having trouble with SID. Was going to reply to you here, but thought others might find it handy too! Hope it helps:

http://www.quiltingboard.com/tutoria...e-t199709.html

SID is really hard to get perfect so if your machine has a serpentine stitch, sort of a wavy line, use it. If it is off just a tad it isn't noticeable and gives a nice lacy effect to your quilting. I tried it on a baby quilt and was much more satisfied with the result than the regular SID.