Ladies, I've just had a look at my manual and page 45 recommends using Mode 2 when seaming patchwork pieces together.

I instinctively have been using Mode 1 with a stitch length of 2 and my 1/4" presser foot.

Do you use the recommended Mode 2 or Mode 1?

and... Mode 2 sets stitch 11 - what is stitch 11? It seems to be a simple straight stitch to me, just like stitch 1 in Mode 1.

Help and other tips would be appreciated.

it beats me.

the only difference i can see between the two is that Mode 2, Stitch 11 defaults to a stitch size of 2.5

Mode 1, Stitch 1 defaults to 2.2

Same... I can't work it out either!

I piece at 2.0 anyway, do you?

I always use mode 1, stitch 1, default setting for piecing, other than adjusting the needle position. I wonder if mode 2 stitch 11 already adjusts the needle position? Now I'm curious!

Christine27, what do you mean by "adjust the needle position"?

If it's the 0, 3.5, 7 position you are talking about, I think it stays at 3.5 in both modes.

For some of the stitches, you can press the zigzag width bar to move the needle to the left or the right. The number will change to reflect the position. Last night I was getting a good 1/4 inch when I moved it to the right to 4.4 in mode 1, stitch 1.

Christine, ah - thanks for that. So you can move it between the range of 0 - 7.0. I didn't know that!

if you use the acufeed 1/4 foot on the 6600 or the 7700 you need to move the needle right to position 5.5 to get a 1/4 seam.

Ah! Thanks Jamiestitcher62 - I didn't know that either. So much to learn - kinda fun ain't it?