Thanks for the information because I also have problems trying to SID. My machine is set to 2.5
I will go to 3.5 and hope that helps.

One thing that was barely mentioned is using a finer thread. I use Superior Threads Bottom Line thread in my needle. It's practically invisible when you SID. BUT I agree with everyone who says SID is really hard and not really for a beginner. Serpentine is a great alternative, and it adds interest to the quilt. Why spend a lot of time doing stitching that you wantto be invisible?

Practice DOES really help. My stitch in the ditch is usually more like swerve in and out of the ditch until I hit that "sweet spot". But - hey. From a galloping horse, it all looks ok anyway. And once you get all your seams stitched, then you can have the real fun of quilting designs into your blocks since sid serves the purpose of locking those blocks into place.

Thanks so much for everyone's comments. What I've learned is that I need my sewing machine to be level with my table (my sewing machine sits on a table and is higher) I need more table support around me (my quilts were heavy and were dragging off me and the table), I need to increase my stitch length, I need to start with a smaller project, and I need to PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE and be more patient. I need to figure out what needle I'm using too. I'm still using the needle that came with the machine....

When you support the quilt it lets you sew smoother. I put a extra table/ironing board next to the sewing machine and I have a extra table behind the machine to hold the quilt. Think of "fluffing" the quilt and sew in small increments. Use a walking foot. Check your tension. There is a U Tube video on this problem.

Try putting a pillow on your lap if you have to so that the front doesn't drag and can move freely, and puddle the quilt on your lap, stop and shift whenever you feel tension on the quilt.

I think it is easier to FMQ that SID. I do both, but prefer FMQ. It just takes practice.

I don't like SID just for this reason,it seldom stays in the ditch and therefore it looks bad.
I'd rather do grid quilting or FMQ, its far less frustrating for me. Its very important that your quilt is supported all around. I have my machine in a cabinet and so the machine sits flush with the table. Before I got a cabinet I had the dining room table to quilt on and made sure that I had a card table or the like to the left of the machine to catch the quilt so that it didn't drag on the needle.
I use a 90/14 top stitch needle,stitch length set at 3.0-3.5mm and King Tut or other good quality thread.
The most important thing is to relax and just have fun!!! We can't always be perfect.:shock:

I find that "Stitch near the ditch" is easier than in the ditch. You stitch 1/4" away from the ditch and it even has a a special foot you can buy. But the trick is on larger quilts is to support your large quilt all the way around while you are sewing. No machine is powerful enough to pull all that weight through by itself. I use my regular size ironing board and a smaller tabel up against the sewing machine table to help support the quilt as I'm sewing.

Do you have a decorative stitch on your machine that you can use instead of a straight stitch? I use the serpentine when I stid. That way small mistakes are never noticed.