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MadQuilter 08-26-2011 11:02 AM

The key is that the sandwich has to be nice and taut. I usually tape the backing down (nice and taut) and then flatten the batting and then flatten the top. I smooth things out from the center to the edges before I pin about hand-width apart.

I roll the top from each side to the center and SID each line first in one direction then turn the quilt 180degrees and SID the other direction.

Then I reroll to the other side and do the perpendicular lines. The better the prep work is, the less puckers I have (I also use a walking foot).

mzzzquilts 08-26-2011 11:16 AM

I liked the idea somebody had of using the zig-zag stitch to "stitch in the ditch"...then you're on both sides...just drive it down the middle :)

butterflies5518 08-26-2011 11:17 AM


Originally Posted by MadQuilter
The key is that the sandwich has to be nice and taut. I usually tape the backing down (nice and taut) and then flatten the batting and then flatten the top. I smooth things out from the center to the edges before I pin about hand-width apart.

I roll the top from each side to the center and SID each line first in one direction then turn the quilt 180degrees and SID the other direction.

Then I reroll to the other side and do the perpendicular lines. The better the prep work is, the less puckers I have (I also use a walking foot).

I learned that the hard way - puckers! OMG, please do not search for my first quilting project. The back side is full of puckers and so glad DS did not know the difference and loved it anyway. The only way to learn to to go for it! Have fun...

Helovesme 08-26-2011 11:23 AM


Originally Posted by MadQuilter
When you press the seam allowance to one side, there is a "low" side to the seam and a "high" side. Gently pull the seam apart and SID along the high side ON the low side right where the ridge is. When you let go of the seam, the SID will literally disappear into the seam.

When the seam allowance flips, you can gently move the seam over by a notch so the needle will land on the low side again.

THat said, I have done some work where I sewed ON THE HIGH SIDE sort of like a topstitch. It is personal preference.

When I had a little too much wine, I have meandered around the ditch (not sure they make an acronym for that - lol)

This is how I learned to do it and I'm SO glad to know that there is someone out there that meanders out of the ditch, too! :thumbup:

sparkys_mom 08-26-2011 11:57 AM


Originally Posted by mzzzquilts
I liked the idea somebody had of using the zig-zag stitch to "stitch in the ditch"...then you're on both sides...just drive it down the middle :)

I like that idea, too but I don't think it would work with a walking foot.

COYOTEMAGIC 08-26-2011 12:02 PM


Originally Posted by EmsMom
Thanks Everyone! Madquilter -- too funny!

I hope I haven't bitten off more than I can chew since I am newer than new at this. Maybe I will investigate some other methods of quilting my first "real" quilt....

You're fine! As I used to tell a friend of mine, "It's not Rocket Science!" Don't let it stress you just go with what you like.

Me-I go to the high side just a bit out of the ditch so I catch both layers. It's just the way I have always done it.

Just run with it and have fun!

erstan947 08-26-2011 12:04 PM

I have a few decorative stitches on my machine and will use them and go over the ditch with out a walking foot. Lots of ways to do it. Choose which you like best:)

EmsMom 08-26-2011 12:22 PM

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate all the help and encouragement!! I will be back many times with questions.

TonnieLoree 08-26-2011 12:50 PM

I am just starting to SID on a QAYG Double D9P. (Everyone still with me here?) I choose to stitch directly on the seam rather than off to one side.

yayaquilts 08-26-2011 12:55 PM

I have a Pfaff sewing machine and it has a specific SID foot with a guide on it. You are supposed to sew in the ditch of the seam, which is easy with the guide going along the seam. The idea is that you can't really see the stitches if they are in the ditch!!


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