Its like anything else it all takes pratice pratice pratice. Make a small sandwich and pratice

Forget trying to use a pattern right now. Just do some meandering, then you can't do something wrong. You can do it close together(stippling) or further apart for meandering. You can do loops and swirls or puzzle pieces. It'd all fun and it holds a quilt together. After you are comfortable with this technique, you can start developing some simple patterns like echoing and go from there. Just relax and it will come.

If you are quilting on a machine, I think SITD is one of the harder things to do, especially if you are using a mid arm or long arm. The speed of the machine is so fast, that you have less control.
Virginia

I read a tip of practicing on an erasable board (the kind you leave messages on) and just doodle to get the hang of it before you start free motion quilting on your quilt. I think that would be a good idea instead of making a mess and having to pick out stitches. I have only SID and simple "X's" in a block so haven't tried anything harder. I think it is time to move on to something more challenging so amd going to try this.

How true...I believe the Amish also create a "mistake" in all of their creations for that very reason.

I hear ya, I too love the construction of the piecing but when it comes to machine quilting, I have along ways to go. They tell me it just takes a lot of practice.

ok I look at every ones stuff and I feel very inept. Then I think I will get there I will get there...

Don't know how many do this but I read that if you leave your feed dogs UP,while FMQ, you have 60% more control!! Try it! I am not the greatest & don't always SID perfectly but this really helped!!! :-D I also draw my pattern on the fabric with an air erasable pen at times. That works, too!

I know what you mean, I don't quilt well worth beans. But I keep trying. Make some practice pieces--cut muslin fabric in 12 to 15 or so inch squares and sandwich with some batting (good to do with scrap batting) and just keep practicing. Start slow and just keep it moving. One thing I know for sure a person needs to be relaxed. Put on some good music or story you like and go to it. When you feel yourself getting tense stop and pick it up later.

What does SID mean?

Stop it right now! Okay got that out of my system. Yes more practice is the answer. If you are giving these to charity or non quilty people don't worry. All giftees are so overwhelmed by the process, they think its all amazing.
Agree with others who say don't SID, first of all, you are only sewing over stitches??!!: two try a zig-zag or wavy stitch. As it goes over the seam allowances, you are really holding the fabrics together.
Had a wonderful teacher who NEVER allowed us to put ourselves down. We were told okay that technique is one we will not do anymore, let's try this. Poof better everything. Have a nice cup o' tea and just get on with it. Love in stitches to all.

Ok I still want to know what is SID???