How to start/stop with machine quilting...
 

This is probably a dumb question, but it seems that when I try to quilt a top on my domestic machine, the back always looks messy where I start and stop the stitching. If I use the tacking mechanism, it is too obvious, but it seems important to tie off those ends. Is there a method anyone can suggest to make the starts/stops less noticeable? I try to use a matching or neutral bobbin thread when possible. I appreciate any advice you can give me.

Some people recommend ending your stitching by making a few tiny stitches in place, then trim off the ends. Another method which I usually use is to just trim off ends fairly long and then go back and using a needle, pull them to the inside of the quilt. It is not noticeable that way. The method I use is better described on LeahDay.com. She has lots of information on her site related to free motion quilting and recently, walking foot quilting.

I pull the (long) threads up to the top with the first stitch, & holding firmly, sew 2 stitches in reverse and a few more forward, which holds the reverse stitches securely, then trim. Have had no problems with that.

I pull the bobbin thread to the top and make tiny starting stitches. When done, I make tiny stitches, then pull the bobbin thread to the top and trim. Recently I worked with thick thread and I still pulled the bobbin thread up but I left a long tail of each and sewed them in with a needle.

Thank you ladies! I seem to have difficulty pulling that bobbin thread up - or at least it seems tedious to me, so I may try Tartan's method of leaving the long tails and going back to pull them to one side. I appreciate the help....it is always good to know there is advice available here on the board.

I do the same...I feel better knowing I have tucked my tails.

This is what I usually do, too, especially on a quilt I know will be washed a lot (for a child, a person in the hospital, etc.)

I also pull the bobbin thread to the top, hold it in place and stitch two stitches in place and move forward. I try to have as many starts and stops in the edges so the binding covers them. However, in the middle of the quilt starts and stops I will tie and bury into the quilt sandwich. It is unfortunate to spoil the look of a finished quilt by being careless when you are nearly finished.

Depending on what the quilt is for I will use just about any of the methods mentioned above. The only one I don't use is leaving the bobbin tail long on the back since I tend to have problems with thread nests when I do that.

If the quilt will will be used and subjected to lots of washing I do a combination of tiny stitches and backtracking to start and stop.

If it is an art piece that will be mounted on a stretcher or panel so the back is completely hidden then I tend to use my machine's thread cutter button which pulls the threads to the back, knots them and trims them short.

If it's a wall piece that will be hung using a sleeve, or hung using some other method that leaves the back exposed, then I bring both threads to the front, knot them and then bury them. I do this as I go-- it doesn't slow me down all that much since I also use that pause to decide where I'm going next.

Rob

When I have to make a start/stop in the center of the quilt, I leave the long tails mentioned in a number of responses. I also as often as possible start my quilting on the edge. This works for crosshatching and oh, so many other styles of quilting from free motion to feathers. My one hint is..... think ahead, plan ahead and then go for it!

Thank you again for all the responses. I have finally mastered pulling the bobbin thread to the top which for some unknown reason had seemed so difficult at first, so now between that and the micro stitches, I think I may have found the method that works for me. I learn something new every time I read this wonderful newsletter.

I was taught to pull up the bobbin thread to the top, then take 2-3 tacking stitches to secure the thread, it's always worked for me and at the end, I just stitch another 2-3 stitches in place.

I make three stitches in place then use the auto thread cutter. The back has 1/4" thread ends which are easy to snip off down to the stitches. I've had quilts quilted this way in judged shows and no judge has ever said anything negative about it in the notes. Usually it's my binding corners. LOL

Like others I tuck the threads. I do this in a lot of my sewing.