I meander stitch so I don't have to stitch in the ditch. But then I am addicted to using Elmers for basting. Quilts don't move with Elmers.

I hate stitching in the ditch because then no one can see all my hard work!! If I'm gonna do it, I want it to show!:D

Jan in VA

I so not think it is nescessary, it is up to you.

I don't like to SITD rarely ever do it. Mine is never straight like it should be, so avoid doing it.

Ditto. When I plan to do intricate quilting, SITD really helps the quilt maintain it's "square", but for a large meander, I don't do SITD.

I rarely stitch in the ditch. Mostly because I can't stay in the ditch. If it is spray basted I don't think you need to.

I stitch in the ditch only when it is The quilting, or if I am going to quilt a smaller motif inside each block. I never stitch in the ditch and do an all over design.

There was a discussion awhile back, but I came away very confused. Are you supposed to be ON the actual seam or next to it? It could cut the threads?

thanks,
Charlotte, who needs to do this soon

I love stitch in the ditch. If i can quilt with only that I do it. The way I've found that works best is to be almost on the seam. More like on the seam but just slightly toward which ever fabric more closely matches the thread you are using.

Thanks so much, Zyngawf. I'll try it with the walking foot, as my FMQ is awful.

Hugs, Charlotte