Quilting by hand?
 

So I've basted everything and made my quilt sandwich. I just don't know how to put it together. Is it okay to "stitch in the ditch" when sewing by hand? I don't have a sewing machine. Or should I do something like this: http://i.imgur.com/rmhvrXx.png Thanks!

Welcome to the board!!! What pattern is you quilt? It is ok to stitch in the ditch if that is the look you like. or it is ok to do the big stitch. it is up to you what, is the look YOU like and what is the stitch that you fill you will like to a lot. It is your quilt and you should do what ever you look with it and if some body tall's you that it is not right. just smile and say thank you for your in put.

You can do SID, but I always find it hard, there can be extra fabric to get through. Can we see a picture of your quilt top, or tell us what pattern it is?

Welcome to the board!

many hand quilters do stitch in the ditch- sometimes right in the ditch, sometimes right next to it, or even 1/4" away (due to the bulk of the extra layers) do a search on hand quilting designs- you will find thousands! there are some fabulous designs that are actually easier by hand then by machine. if you have not hand quilted anything before you might want to put together a couple small projects (pot holders, placemats) top, batting, backing- baste & practice before starting on your larger quilt- some people use a hoop, some a frame, some just hold their project on their lap- some use a thimble, some don't, some use teeny-tiny needles (betweens) some use longer needles; there is no wrong way- there is just different ways and you need to find *your way*- but you can hand quilt any design you want...find a couple videos- tutorials, take a practice piece & get the feel of it-

I stitched in the ditch with my very first quilt. I did have some trouble where the points met and it got a little bulky, but I soldiered on and I think it turned out pretty well.

Awesome! Thanks for all the wonderful advice, everyone. I think I'll try SID!

All this advice is good advice... I just want to say Have fun!! Let us hear how it goes!?

I don't SID but I get fairly close to the seam so I can see the stitches. Am going one now for my DD who usually sends hers out to be LA'd but she asked me to do this one for her MIL. So I guess my hand stitches look okay to her!

I have been a handquilter for at least 40 years. The only time I SID is if I a handquilting a cheater's cloth piece. Why bother handquilting if your work is going to be hidden in the seam. I usually quilt about a 1/4 inch on either side of the piecing seams. It reinforces your work and makes the piecing "pop". I also have a large collection of stencils that I use to mark the larger areas. It is the "quilting" that makes it a quilt so why not show it off.

Welcome to the wonderful world of hand quilting! Everyone is correct, it is YOUR quilt and you can do it any way you want to. As you do more hand quilting, you will find the things that work best for you. Everyone has their own methods and you will find your own too. The only other advice I have is to try new things as you go. Don't get stuck in the "I've always done it this way" trap. Keep learning and growing. ENJOY!!!