BJBohlar

I'm starting the cross hatch quilting on my Sunbonnet Sue block but can't figure out where to start and stop when I reach the applique. Should I just lift the presser foot and move to the other side to continue? If I do that, how do I get the stitching to stay after cutting the threads over the applique? I tried shortening my stitch just before reaching the applique, but I don't think it looks very good. Can you tell I'm somewhat confused?!?

Prism99

A popular method is to first quilt around the applique. When the cross-hatching reaches the applique, you have a choice of stitching over the previous stitching to start a line in the opposite direction, or ending the stitching.

If you are unhappy with the look of several small stitches to end, another option is to leave thread tails where you end and hand "bury" them in the quilt batting later on. Leah Day has the easiest way to do this. I will add a link to her video demo if I can find it.

Ahhh, here it is!
http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.c...g-threads.html

QuiltnNan

i prefer the look of the crosshatch line just ending... so tying the ends and burying them would be the best choice. lots more work, but a nice look

woody

When I can go no further I stop and I make sure I leave long ends then knot and bury the threads by hand. A real pain but at least I know the threads won't come undone. Then go to the other side and start again. I also bring the bobbin thread to the top and leave long ends when I start and bury them by hand as well

Jim's Gem

Welcome to the board from Southern California!!!

quilt addict

Welcome and good questions. Thanks for the link to the U-tube video.

ckcowl

if you don't want a few small stitches- you can do 3 or 4 in place- or do the buring technique
some people quilt 1/4" around each applique- then stop on that line- you can follow the line to the next place to continue your crosshatching- or you can stop at the end of each line- and start again- up to you

Vivian Ketron

Hello and welcome from MO.