I do edge to edge quilting all the time. But my first rows/lines are in the MIDDLE of the quilt. Then I gradually work to the outside edges. Also I alternate the direction of the lines each time--the first line sewn top to bottom, the 2nd line sewn bottom to top, the3rd line top to bottom, etc. I usually sew 3-4 lines on the right of center then 3-4 lines on the left side so the quilting is staying fairly balanced on each side as I work out from the center. The wavy lines (with walking foot) are easier than trying to do even straight lines!! And there are no threads to bury unless your bobbin runs out in the middle of a line.

Maybe one of the more knowledgeable members will write out a list of the abbreviations. We could print it out and keep it by our computer. And, Edie, you're not older than dirt. I'm waaaay older than you and just learning this process. It is certainly helping to keep me more alert and interested in life though. Bless all the quilters of the world!!

Oops! I lost track. I love the wavy lines and definitely will give it a go. I'm almost sure I could handle that. I think it does give a more modern look to the quilting and think the young ones would really like it.

I'm in my 50's & don't know all the abbreviations so I found them on the main board & printed them out. I keep my reference pages next to my computer. I would never remember all those initials without my cheat sheets.
Jeri

There is a comprehensive list already done for everyone. Go to the Main homepage and it is always the first post, called Quilters Dictionary/Acronyms. It stays there all the time. Great resource!

On larger quilts..........this was approx. 63" x 72", I cross hatch using painters tape and a walking foot. I use a temporary spray adhesive to sandwich, measure from one corner using the 45 degree mark on my ruler and mark the longest diagonal line with wide painters tape (usually about 1 3/4" wide). I do pin down the center of the tape however, because the throat on my domestic sewing machine is just 6 1/2" and manipulating the quilt through the throat can dislodge the tape. I sew, using the walking foot, down both sides of the tape and then move it. If you use two lengths, you can use one as a spacer, so that you can sew down both sides of the next tape. Here is the Yellow Brick Road I did using the cross hatch method. I never have trouble with puckering and don't alternate the direction of the stitching. I try to sew with the bulk of the quilt to the left of the needle whenever possible.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]486211[/ATTACH]

Love your quilt EmiliasNana. The cross hatch looks very nice!

Prism, I am getting ready to use what I think you are calling a serpentine stitch, but my kids call it a sine wave. It can be adjusted to look like a loose curve up to a tight scallop. What worries me is not the first row, but the 2nd. If I start out with the waves parallel, they'll be off at some point for sure. I was hoping to sort of stagger them. Your wavy lines are starting to look like a better bet. Thanks for posting the picture. :)

hugs,
Charlotte

I even have trouble on the Ipad keyboard. Bifocals sure aren't helping. It's not right to assume we're all lazy, either. There are a lot of folks here with disabilities as well, and I, for one, want to say things as economically as possible. Plus, the initials are bigger and easier to see. :)

hugs,
Charlotte