I have never done a wavy line like Mary Quite Contrary suggests, but have read that some people do this because they can't seem to "stay in the ditch". I have that problem at times, and will try this. The instructions I read said to use a very suttle wavy line.

Phyllis

I kind of like the idea of stitching wavy alongside the ditch - sounds pretty neat!

You quilt on the left side of that seam (the "no seam allowance" side), right next to where the piece on the right folds under.

If you had to "skinny up" some seams, you may also want to consider some quilting through the pieces and not just the seams. The more quilting - the stronger the quilt.

I bet your machine came with an edge joining foot. It's perfect for stitch in the ditch. :) Now they are being sold as Stitch in the Ditch foot!
:shock:


It's perfect for keeping stitches straight when following a line.

Hi,

The only machine quilting I do is a stitch in the ditch with a decorative or at least zig zag stitch. I figure it strengthens the piecing. I like to use varigated thread in both the top and bottom. Some times I just machine tie the quilt by setting my automatic button hole to the smallest size, making a very small button hole without a hole and then lifting the presser foot and moving to another spot. I have a lot of strings to cut afterward but the buttonhole is backstitched at both the beginning and the end. Either method works well for Linus or other chairty quilts as they will be washed a lot more than those of us who quilt would.

Now I'm confused. I thought that "stitch in the ditch" was exactly that...you stitch in the ditch created by the fabrics butting together when you sew the seam. I do have a "stitch in the ditch" foot and when you use that..you definetly are stitching right down that seam. It has a guide that makes it go there...that is unless I move my needle over.

well, yall talk about a wavy line, hummm, i use my stitch in the ditch foot and even though i intend to do a straight line it ends up wavy anyhow, i just can't sew a straight line no matter what, maybe i need my glasses changed.

I am soooo excited. I have worked and worked on this quilt and was so down about a very thin pink border I did around my princess panels. After asking you guys for help I was inspired to make a 'vine' and place over the mess I made and will applique some pink print flowers to camoflage. It gave me a second wind today and I got all the blocks together and put on two of eight borders. My center is appliqued so the flowers won't be out of place at all. I just hope they hide all the oops! I couldn't have done it without you all...I JUST LOVE YOU GUYS FOR THIS...ty, ty, ty....and I have to thank Mary individually bc she first mentioned the wavy line, but all the feedback just helped me so much. I can't promise to post a pic when done cause i need a new camera, but if I get it worked out, except for that pink border, I really think my sweet pea is going to love it. She loves everything her nana makes for her. Thank you all again x's a thousand!!! :D

Good for you!! I love it when the board helps me solve a problem, but thats what friends are for right??? You really need to get that cameral fixed...we want to see!! :lol:

I learn something every time I read the quilting board. You all are the best!!!!
G