SITD - How to Keep it From Shifting and Bunching Up?
 

I know, stitch-in-the-ditch seems so simple, but I always have problems with the fabrics shifting and bunching up when I get to another sewn corner. I use spray basting, which seems to hold OK, I lighten up on the pressure on the machine, I press the quilt nice and smooth first. What are some of your tricks? Please share...thanks.

~ Cindy

Are you using polyester batting?

You didn't mention it, but you are using a walking foot? (and feed dogs up, of course).

I also keep my speed down and it really helps the walking foot to do it's job of moving the quilt sandwich through at the same speed as the feed dogs.

One thing that helps me is heavily starching both the top and batting before sandwiching. Starch stabilizes the fabrics so they are less likely to stretch as you quilt. It is the subtle stretching of fabric as you sew that causes the excess fabric to bunch up against the stitching line you are trying to cross. For the backing I like to use a 1:1 solution of Sta-Flo and water. For the top I use several layers of spray starch. You can even add layers of spray starch after sandwiching and it will help.

Are you using a walking foot with the feed dogs up? If yes, perhaps can you adjust (reduce)the pressure of the pressure foot? Sounds like it is pressing down too hard on your fabric.

Are you doing any basting before you quilt?
Many other good suggestions have also been made for you.

Thanks for all of the tips everyone. I'm usually using 100% cotton batting and most of the time I have a walking foot attached, but not always. I spray baste, but perhaps I should hand baste as well. I don't starch, but I do seriously iron. I work from the center of the quilt out, sometimes doing a square at a time and other times sewing an entire seam to the end. Many times, my quilting turns out fine, but it's always a struggle to get it right. Anyway, I thought I'd bring up this topic, because I'm sure that I'm not alone.

~Cindy

Cindy, believe me you are not alone. nothing is more frustrating then doing all you metioned above and your piece still shifts or bunches. I have been there many times. We just keep trying.

When I have done stitch in the ditch quilting - my largrst piece was about 70x90 inches -

The machine I used was a Pfaff 1471 - mid 1980s model - with the built in walking foot
I safetypinned about every three to four inches
I started at one edge and stitched straight across to the other edge.
I stitched ALL the lines only going one direction - it got a little bulky towards the last line - but I feel that if there is going go be any wandering - I want it to all go the same way.
Then I tuyned it and went the other direction.
I stitched the long way first - less bulk in the harp for the first pass.

It is essential that the layers be smooth before starting to sew.

I pin the layers together on a large table. Something that helped me - the backing fabric should not be pulled tight as a drum - because when it is relaxed. It draws up the batting and top - and then the top wants to creep a bit and/or pucker.

I like the look of SITD quilting.

Bearisgrey...I find it interesting that you stitch all the lines in the same direction. I was thinking of this just yesterday, as I was doing STID on a quilt. If you turn it around and go the other direction on the next seam, it could really start to look wonky...the blocks could have a slanted, lopsided look to them. I'm working from the center out all going the same direction and that's working well for me.

As for the subject walking feet, (which deserves its own thread, I'm sure,) I have gone through several WF. The modern, plasticky ones just fall apart and don't always fit my machine perfectly, even though they claim that they are for Singers. The one that I have now, moves the needle bar over slightly, so that the needle is off center, when the WF is attached and tightened down. I hate that! I'd love to find an older WF for my vintage Singers. (No, it doesn't have to be a Penguin, but that would sure be nice, now wouldn't it?)

~ Cindy