This may sound awful, but I'm working on a baby quilt that's a "practice project," but still a gift. So here's the question: When the bird's nest underneath doesn't interfere with the stitches before or after, can't you just cut the nest completely level with the quilt and let it go at that? Doesn't look the best, but it's not long and still structually sound. I know there are no police, but it seems cheesy. Am I right to do this?

Could you remove the nest, then backstitch over each end, still following the line? It wouldn't be noticeable...would it?

are you SURE the cutting of the threads aren'y going to let the others come out after a few washings? maybe you could insure it with a dab of fray check, wait 24 hrs then wash it. that's how i'd do it

I have been known to cut a stray nest.... but I"m always afriad ti will come undone... so I just do a few stitches over it.....to make sure.

Kathy is right, Fray block is great and makes life a lot easier :thumbup:

Won't hurt on a practice piece but as mentioned above you could be creating a weak spot that may come apart in the future.

I try and remove all birds nests. Since they are a result of poor tension they should be easy to remove. I back stitch where I removed the threads. Never have used fray check, though not a bad idea at all.

I have fixed a few bird's nests in my time. I take my stilleto and see if I can gently untangle enough extra thread to be able to knot and bury the ends in the sandwich. If you do it this way it is virtually impossible to find the boo boo. It only works if you can get about an inch 1-1/2 to work with. I also used a self-threading needle (the kind where you pull the threads into the end of the needle)because the ends are too short for a regular needle.
If the thread nest is too tight or not enough thread, I remove about 12 inches of the stitching, knot and bury the threads on both ends and re-stitch the line of sewing, knot and bury these ends too.