I found traditional machine SID too nerve-wracking. I use a serpentine stitch now. This makes a wavy line so that I only have to stay approximately in the seam line when I am using it. Small deviations do not show. I just use a regular metal zigzag foot for this (not an open-toe embroidery foot, as that allows too much fabric to gather near the needle). The end look is different, but I like it.

Here is a link to some samples of serpentine stitch. The one I am using on my Bernina is closest to #19 in the photo. I adjusted the stitch width and length to make mine a little tighter wave:
http://restisnotidleness.blogspot.co...-stitches.html

I can FMQ just about anything, but the stitch in the ditch has me beaten. I usually end up with those flop over pieces of fabric everytime I hit another stitching line.

I have much better luck with an open toed foot than the 'joiner' or 'SID' foot. I can see where I am going and it is easier to 'pull' the seam apart.

My SID foot makes it really easy. I prefer SID because of it. Guess I got lucky with my foot. I just follow the ditch, but I know what works for one person doesn't always work for another. I find FMQ difficult.

Dina

I find if I needle over just a bit it helps with stitching in the ditch. I like mine right in the ditch. If my eyes get fatigued ... a use the seperptine stitch on alot of quilts.... it is the most forgiving stitch you can use! Sometimes my eyes just can not take alot of Stitching in the Ditch.
FYI there are walking feet that have a Stitch in the ditch attachment.... its a beautiful thing to have .. makes a lot of difference.

I was having trouble with the SID and talked to the lady at the Bernina store and she showed me the store samples using the serpintine stitch beautiful work so now I use my walking foot and the serpintine stitch no problem and looks nice everytime

I SID quite often but do a better job without the specialized foot. Just use my walking foot. I occasionally go out of the ditch but only by a couple of stitches. I have learned to let it go and once the quilt is on the bed I don't notice it. We all make the mistake of examining our quilt up close when we should lay them out on a bed, even during piecing, because that's the way the quilt will be seen. If you are looking for perfection you will never be happy with what you do. Think of the small imperfections as what makes your quilt or any project unique and one of a kind.

Another option to try is SND, which is Stitch NEAR the Ditch -- or Stitch NEXT to the Ditch. I do this frequently, because it is done on the "high" side of the ditch, and makes everything lay nice and flat. I'm doing it on a longarm these days, but when I did it on my regular machine, I used an edge foot because it would help me to travel right along the edges. Maybe you could check your box and see if you have one of those feet for your machine...

This is what I do. I love my SID foot; it allows me to secure much or all of the quilt so that I can remove most of the safety pins used for basting before I do any other quilting.

Stitch In The Ditch.
 

I have found that having a pair of Rubber Gloves on help, also Rubber Fingers. There is also special gloves that you can buy in the Quit Store that are fantastic. Better then Rubber Gloves because they are partly cotton and breath.