Just when I think I'm ready to start quilting, there is another question. How long/short should the machine stitch be when quilting? I hope I'm not pestering anyone with all of my questions. Sometimes I think I should just know the answers myself, but I don't. :)

Thanks again.

You are not pestering. :) It's exciting that you are getting ready to start quilting!! :) I'm not even sure what I have mine set on. I wouldn't want the stitches too big or too small. I will look when I get home if you haven't gotten an answer.

ine is set at 2.5

I found out the hard way that if you're piecing strips that will later be subcut you should use smaller stitches.

If you stitch a line..... measure off an inch of the stitching and count the stitches. Many newer machines have numbers that show stitch length as 1 1/2 or 2 1/2 but how many stitches would that be? The older machines will say how many stitches it makes for a 1 inch measurement.

I use 12-15 stitches per inch for my quilting. 12 is the standard for regular sewing. When the stitches get too close together it tends to weaken the fabric...... it's like punching holes so close together that they cut a line.

Others might have different ideas about this.... This is just the way I do it. And...... just go for it. We all had to start somewhere...... you'll change how you do things as you go along..... no matter where you start.... you won't finish in the same place.

I used 2.6 not too small and not too big.

For me it depends on what I am making, usually between 2 and 3.

I use 2 or 2.5 for my stitch length.

Me too.

The default on mine is 2.2 which I think is too short for quilting. For a quilt with the thinnest Quilter's Dream cotton batting I used 2.5 and for a quilt with the Hobbs Heirloom I used 2.9. Cut a square of batting 4 to 6 inches and use some scrap fabric and test and see which you like best for the project you're working on.

it would also depend on who it is for. Making a quilt for a little quilt. it was going to be just a simple bunch of squares that was made into a giant duvet cover. used between 2 and 3. in less than a year she has torn it up. I am thinking of making one for her that is more of a quilt and less likely to get messed up. I hope that her mom likes it. I now use closer to the 1 on my machine and find that those stitches are really good for me. They don't pull at all. I am new also. I will have been quilting almost a year now.

Thanks for your help. I generally sew with a 2.5 stitch. I just didn't know if there were special considerations that needed to be taken in to account for quilting the top. I see now that there are a few. I love this site because everyone is so understanding and helpful.

2.5 to 3.0 for quilting :D:D:D

I set mine at 3 or 3.5 for straight-line quilting. Free motion depends on your machine. Some get set to zero and others need to be at regular length. Try and see what works for you.

If you are talking regular piecing, then I set mine to 2.5.

If it's stitch in the ditch, you'll want it longer(I set mine at 3) than what you use for piecing, otherwise it'll pucker. If FMQ, you don't set a stitch length. Am looking forward to seeing a pic when completed. Enjoy :)

Thanks again for all of the tips. I am learning so much from all of the generous quilters on this board. I can no longer imagine going it alone as I have for the past few years. I feel as if I have new quilting friends/sisters/brothers now. I have no family sisters and only three of my five family brothers left. My Mom is enjoying this board through me. She loves Ditter's jokes and others funny comments.

That totally depends on the machine. Mine needs to have the stitch length set to 3 or 3.5 to work properly. Go figure!

The length of the stitches on my machine depends on how fast I move my hands, I only do FMQ. When piecing I use 1-1/2 - 2. I did when making clothes years ago, don't want any stitches coming out. I hate mending.

I use anywhere from 2 to 3...depends on what I am sewing..for paper piecing I use smaller stitches

I use anywhere from 2 to 3...depends on what I am sewing..for paper piecing I use smaller stitches

I use anywhere from 2 to 3...depends on what I am sewing..for paper piecing I use smaller stitches

I use 1.8 stitch length.

My machine automatically sets to 2.5 when I press 1/4" seam on the computer screen. The machine is smarter than me. I have learned that it tells me what size needle to use, plus so many things it's sometimes intimidating to use! My old Kenmore from the 60's is computer illiterate!!

I am new to quilting also, so I enjoy watching answers to your questions.

The straight stitch default on my machine is 2.2

When paper piecing, I use 1.8

When piecing the fabric, I use 2.0

When machine quilting (SID included), I use 3.0.

If I use a heavier, thicker thread for machine quilting, I'll beef it up to 3.5, but I hardly ever go longer than that.

For something real small you want a smaller stitch length. Normally I use 2.5

I use 2.5 for piecing and 2.0 for paper piecing (to make removing the paper piecing easier) and 12 per inch for the normal quilting and 15 per inch for a tiny stippling area of quilting. Have fun....

I use a 2 for piecing, and 2.5 for quilting

Mine defaults to 2.4 and that's where I leave it.

For the actual quilting I use between 10 and 12 stitches per inch. My machine will go up to about 26 stitches per inch, and I can't imagine using that.

Thank you for the nice reply. :)

No way - I always learn something new on this board - and always more for something I thought about at the time, but forgot by time I get back on the computer, thanks for asking for all of us newbies!

mine is set at 2.5

Not too closely together or you perforate the material and it will rip easily. Keep it at about 2.5 and you should not have too many problems. Choose a higher number (4+) if you are basting or gathering.

I use 2.5 which is standard.

If you are FMQ the stitches are made as to how slow you move the fabric and how fast you are running the machine. For straight quilting I do 3 to 3.5. Hope this helps :-D

You might want to go a little longer when you first start out, that way if you have to rip out a seam it is a little easier

How else are you going to learn if you don't ask questions. Everyone here is willing to help you out, so don't be afraid to ask. If you are new to sewing how would you know?
I think my machine setting is for 10-12 per inch at the moment, but it varies with the fabric and exactly just what I am quilting. Remember there are really no dumb questions here or anywhere else. Asking is how everyone learns.

Sweetie, If you knew all the answers, we would not call you Tropical, we would call you GOD. Lighten up on yourself. We will answer anything you ask. Always. {HUGS}