This seems to be working for me
 

I am quilting on my Christmas table runner this week & am really enjoying it & liking how it is turning out. I got it sandwiched together yesterday & am quilting today. Well, I've always heard that you are suppose to look at where you are GOING and not where you are SEWING so today I decided to try that. It's so hard for my eyes to get off of the needle but I took a couple of stitches (looking at needle) & then looked about an inch or two in front of the needle (where is was going) as I sewed. It really seems to be making a hugh difference in my stitch in the ditch quilting. I'm going to continue with this method until my eyes just automatically fall a little ways in front. I seem to have to stop & take more "eye rest breaks" but I think I can eventually make this into a habit.

That is what it takes - practice and more practice -- will have to try this little tip. Thanks for sharing.

Good for you! It's a lot like driving a car, where you need to look ahead.

I am always telling my students not to watch the needle - it knows what it's job is! Every once in awhile, I reach around and put my hand in front of the needle and watch them freak out! But, they really see how they can sew without staring at that needle. It also helps them with listening to the needle. How many times do we hear a problem before we see it?

Sounds like you've made a break through. : ) Happy to hear you found something that works for you.

Thanks for reminding me. I had been working on this same thing--then life got in the way and I got away from quilting for a few days. The reminder to pick up where I left off was much needed :)

I forgot who it was who told me I should look at the space in quilting, not the stitches. They mean look at the open areas. It made a huge difference to me. My quilting became more uniform and much more even.

Pam