The way I have it planned, the widest span will be 4.5 inches. Is that too wide for a child's quilt? I had planned to sew all the straight lines.

If it's this difficult, maybe I should look at the other options. The quilt shop recommended someone who will custom quilt. (The shop only does computer patterns.) They rent the machines with the handles, but you have to take a $150.00 class first.

bkay

I've used a very narrow Zigzag stitch in the ditch. It isn't noticeable if you get out of the ditch a little.

whatever color the back is use that in the bobbin....I would use a neutral color and either do a diagonal across the blocks or just do a stitch in the ditch. Both are easy with a walking foot

You will be fine stitching the seam lines. Start somewhere in the middle and go for it! I would use white poly thread for top and bottom.

Would this be easier than stitch in the ditch? It would double the sewing. Would it give a better result?

bkay

Like some of the previous posters I recommend quilting every 2-3" for children's quilts that get a lot of use (and washing!). I also agree that putting Xs through the blocks plus SID would provide a lovely quilt plus make it very washable. Don't worry about the thread color not "matching". After a quilt is washed it will crinkle up and hide a lot of the stitching. Just use your walking foot, a nice thread (a 50 weight cotton or So Fine polyester would be easy to work with), and go for it. Your quilt is really cute, and it will be greatly loved.

Very cute! I made one similar to this. Your two year old will love it!

No advice about the quilting. I've never used disappearing thread, either. If the back is dark, I'd probably choose a thread that matches closely and if you actually stitch in the ditch (and not 1/4 inch away from the ditch) it probably won't show on the front. Of course, you could use different colored thread on top and bottom.

This was my thought. I would use white cotton or cotton/poly blend in the top and bobbin. As someone above mentioned, the grid on the back would be quite nice. It would be double sewing, but all straight stitching, so would go rather quickly. I have never used invisible thread so have no opinion on that. I have done very little stitch in the ditch, and was not happy with the results. Your quilt top is beautiful. Lucky child who gets it!

I practiced my SITD just yesterday using a SITD foot and it still came out lousy. Ugh!
Months ago I practiced straight line stitching, edge to edge with lines 1.5 in. apart on a baby/toddler quilt using YLI monofilament using a 2.5 stitch length on my Pfaff. It sits here as I don't want to gift it (even to an Animal shelter) fearing the possibility of a toe or nail catcher. So am I reading that maybe it is really okay to gift?

bkay, I like the last example you posted. I think you would find it went quite quickly.
I have used the mono filament thread and it can go really well, or really badly. Unless there's a real need for it for a design element, I'd stay away from it.
Also, it would be cool to take a long arm class, but be aware that as with everything there is quite a learning curve. I was really surprised at how terribly clumsy I was. I really thought it wouldn't be THAT much different from my DSM, but it sure is! So, maybe take the class for fun, but be prepared to do a lot of practice before you want to work on a beautiful project like this one.
Boy, I'm a ray of sunshine today, aren't I?:eek:

Love your I Spy quilt! It's going to turn out beautifully!

Watson