I have searched through the forum and haven't found an answer to my question, so I am going to ask here.

When you stitch in the ditch, do you go next to the seam, or in the seam?

My research has shown it is done both ways.

I always didit right in the seam.

When the blocks are pressed to the side, there is a definite seam ridge. I was taught to pull the block slightly apart so you see the seam line easily. Sew down the seam line so when you release, the stitches will disappear. (I'm not always that disciplined)

If the seam direction changes between blocks, it takes a little more tugging to align the seam with the stitch line. It does work but it is a little slow going.

I have also done a topstitch on top of the ridge - just at the edge. I like that look but it takes serious concentration.

You can do what you like and get the look that you like best. It may be different from quilt to quilt.

I do both...but I have read that stitching right into the seam line could break down the sewing stitches? Also depends on the look I want...sometimes I like seeing the stitches

I've helped with several quilt judgings and the judge always says "stitch in the ditch should stay in the ditch" I've also read that pressing seams open helps when stitching in the ditch

thanks for that tip - I can see where pressing seams open would help me stay in the ditch better

if you press seams open you don't have a ditch to stitch in. It should be barely under the fold of the seam.

If you press the seams open, then stitch directly in the seam, don't you run the considerable risk of piercing, and weakening, if not actually breaking, the piecing stitches?

here's the article. ...someone else posted it on the board. makes an interesting read.

http://www.straw.com/equilters/libra...SeamsOpen.html

I just finished a pot holder and I tried and tried and could not stay in the seam line, so I sewed next to it and loved the way it turned out. I don't think there is a wrong or right way, perhaps just a preferred way. The article on always pressing the seams open was interesting and would like to hear other opinions regarding that.

I, too, think it's what you prefer. I rarely open a seam but neither do I make a pattern with 8 seams coming together. One thing I have learned though, is to use the zipper foot when doing either in the ditch or next to it.....I can see exactly where I should be sewing, can nestle the foot up to the seam and move the needle ever so slightly if need be.

exactly what judges want.

if i'm making a show quilt any SITD is done so you can not see the stitching from the front at all.

when its not a show quilt i'm not so careful.

I have always stitched in the ditch - that's where the term comes from SID. I have a foot that does help keep you in the ditch. That said, after reading many comments here I have now tried using fancy stitching over the ditch and that comes out lovely and adds a bit of pizzaz/dimension especially with variagated threads which does add an additional texture to one's quilt.

I often use the decorative stitches on my machine and kind of straddle the seam. I think, depending on the quilt, they come out really well.

As above, in the ditch if that is the look I'm going for, next to the "ditch" if that is the look I'm going for. None of mine are "perfect" but I'm okay with that.

This is soething that makes sense to me. I have been working on a quilt that I am pressing seams to one side and it is just not working for me but I have read so much on here about it I thought that I would try it. Maybe with just 9 patch or something but with my triangles it just is horrible,

since your research told you both...why ask?
some people stitch right on the seam...some people right next to it. if the seams are pressed open it is better to stitch beside the seam. if they are pressed to one side it is ok to stitch right on the seam. most people do it the way they like it best...it is a personal choice with no 'right answer'

In the seam. I'm still trying to perfect my in the ditch stitching. Somehow I manage to many "jumping the ditch" stitches. Practice makes perfect but how long do I have to practic?