Yes I hand quilt and you can do it by hand. I have quilted many quilts by doing it that way.

Stitch in the Ditch is really a misnomer. As we generally press seasm to one side, getting the stitching in that seam is extremely difficult. So it goes on the "low"side of the seam - the one that doesn't have the seam allowances. Your stitches should "butt up" to the seam, but not stitch on the side with the seam allowances. You will see that immediately and it will look like topstitching. It does take some practice, and I find it's easier to stitich about 1/4" away from the seam.

I was having trouble with SID too. Thanks for asking the question.

I use invisible thread on top and color corrodinated thread to backing on the bobbin You can not see the stitches on top if you get out of the ditch. I try to stitch dirrectly in the seam.

Do you get puckers when using your SID foot? I have one but have not used it as I hear most everyone say you have to use a walking foot.

Many of the machine manufactures now have a walking foot that has a Stitch in the Ditch foot built in. I know Viking makes a Walking Stitch in the Ditch foot. They are just what the doctor ordered for curing the puckering with a regular ditch foot.

Since I'm a beginning quilter, I don't have a walking foot or any special foot. My machine is OLD, a hand me down from my mom. It works for me to learn on I guess.

I use invisible thread when I quilt in the ditch, and use a walking foot. It is hardly visable after it is washeda

You can use a walking foot on some old machines. I have an old Elnita, and I use one on it. It interchanges with my Singer as it is a low shank. Ask your dealer if a walking foot will fit your particular machine.

Thank you....I'll look into that...