An easy way to SID is to gently spread the seams where you are going to SID so you can maintain a nice stitch in the ditch. If you have color problems variagated thread does help blend more. The object is not to have your SID show on the front of your quilt but there are times when you will have some show regardless of how hard you try to make it perfect.

Another solution many use is to use a decorative stitch that covers each side of the seam but also allows the quilter to still stitch the seamlines. This can be a really pretty effect on your quilt.

You do need to use a walking foot for this keeps both the front and back of your fabric moving together correctly so you won't have any ripples on either side.

I have a stich in the ditch guide on my foot. Works great. the stitching is supoose to be slightly on the outside...once you wash and dry it. You can not see or barely see the stitch. Its amazing wow different and wonderful a quilt looks like once its washed.

I think it is a good solution to do Outline Quilting (1/4" away from the seam). It's easier to do, you can see your stitches and your quilt will get a very nice structure without attracting too much attention. Furthermore Outline Quilting is a very traditional way of quilting and you never have to cross the seams! So, in my humble opinion: go for it!

My first quilt I hand quilted 1/4 inch away from the seam. Love the effect of it. so whatever you do is a personnel preference.

Stitching 1/4" away from the seam line turns out beautiful - not to mention that it's easier than trying to stay in the ditch. I always think that hand quilting stitches should be seen!

Another hand quilter here. What Borntohandquilt said. I've also done SID by hand and it can be a bit difficult when crossing multiple seams. Make sure you have some rubber finger grips and/or some needle nosed pliers handy to pull that needle through those spots. It's definitely easier to hand quilt where there are less seams. SID is mainly (at least in my mind) a utilitarian stitch to simply hold the layers together. If this is your first hand quilting attempt it might be the appropriate thing to do on the bulk of the quilt and then maybe some smallish design on the more open areas of your quilt. That way the quilt is definitely held together but you also get a chance to do some more decorative quilting as well. Good luck.

Good morning all - Suzi, I agree, plus since I also quilt by hand why would I WANT to hide my stitches??? :-o They may not be the best out there (& @ my age not as good as they used to be), but I'm not ashamed of them & it's TOO MUCH WORK to try to hide em. I WANT THE LOVE I PUT IN EACH STITCH TO SHOW!!!

Have a blessed day & may all your quilts be filled w/love. :lol:

I like the idea of 1/4" stitching away from the seams. Stitching in the ditch is hard for this beginning quilter.

Be sure to use a walking foot, and I increase my stitch length a little. Sew slowly and stitch on the side opposite your seams are pressed. (There is less bulk here)

All interesting!

Wondering ... if the class teacher was suggesting SID by hand, was that so that the unevennes of a beginners stitches would not show? Like the suggestion of doing that, and then a little decorative top stitching.

While I've been piecing for years, I am finally learning to machine quilt. My first SIDs varied, in the seam, on the edge and OOPS, further from the edge.

I now have the SID foot mentioned already. It's kind of like a little plough that follows the seam. On test stitching, I think it will make it much easier, and certainly evener. You need to adjust your needle left/right to get it right into the seam.