Reducing Puckers in 1/2" Cross Hatch Quilting
 

I have almost finished a quilt where I did 1" channel quilting. I was a bit disappointed in the results, as there was quite a bit of puckering. However, my next quilt calls for 1/2" cross hatching, and I would really like to cut down on the "waves" created by the quilting. I did use a walking foot with foot pressure of about 40%. I used a mid-loft poly batting which I think may have been too lofty and made it easier to get puckers.

Can anyone help me improve my cross hatching? I have read that I should first cross hatch the entire quilt 1" apart, and then go back and add the 1/2" lines. I have also read conflicting reports of whether I should sew all lines in one direction or back and forth alternating the sewing direction of the lines.

Thanks for your help!

You should alternate the direction of quilting. I start at the top center and work out. This means the center line of quilting goes down the quilt. The line next to it is going to go up the quilt. Simple flip the quilt so you can do this.

You alternate each line of quilting. Same as when you quilt horizontally. Start in center of quilt and work out.

One line goes "east" and the next line goes "west". Hope that helps!

You also want to smooth the quilt sandwich outwards from prior quilting lines with your two hands on the quilt.

Gently pushing the quilt sandwich towards the needle helps with puckers at crossings.

I've used painter's tape with good results, it helps to keep the fabric from pushing ahead and getting bunched at the intersections of the crosshatch.

Polyester batting seems more puffy than cotton. Maybe try using some cotton batting?

You may find that, after washing your quilt, it seems less puckery, too.

I had the same problem on what I am calling a floor quilt for grandbabies. Thanks for the suggestions.

I'd baste with Elmer's Washable School Glue. When I do that, all three layers stay firmly together all over.

Some people thin the glue, but I just put two bottles in a bowl filled with hot tap water. The tap water makes the glue thinner, and it comes out like spider webs. When the first bottle cools, I switch it to the second bottle and freshen the bowl with fresh hot tap water. This is the quickest way I have ever basted.

When finished the glue dries very quickly. If it had been thinned, it would have taken longer to dry.

i glue baste too and don’t thin it but I like your suggestion of the hot tap water to set it in.

I have problems with cross hatching too but I do better with a free motion foot for short distances and a ruler and ruler foot for long distances and don’t get the puckers.

I start at the middle and work my way outward changing direction with each line. I also use chalk or the new heat pens to draw where I need to be quilting. I also have my walking foot on the machine and go slowly across. All of this together will give me what I want. I found out the hard way if I leave one step out I will end up with curves and puckers.
Using a low tufted batting or all cotton batting ( W&N) works the best.