SueSew

Jennifer thank you so much for that info! I can probably move up to 2.0 for piecing and have an easier time of it.

maryb119

My machine is preset to 2.5 so that is what I use unless I am paper piecing. Then I drop it down to 2.

Mariah

I can tell from reading everyone's comments that I am the only one with an old machine and featherweight answering this question. I usually use 12" stitches on my piecing. Gives a good stitch and seam, and not so hard to take out when needed.
Altho it is an old machine I still love it, and love my featherweight!!
Mariah

MacThayer

My stitch length varies with the quilt. I like to press seams open (former seamstress here), so I keep my stitches short. My default is 2.5, but I will often use 1.8 for piecing. When I was less experienced, I kept the default at 2.5 and learned how to press my seams to the side. That way if I had to rip out a seam, it wasn't such a horror. I must say that my Gingher seam ripper made me more willing to use smaller stitches because it can handle those smaller stitches more easily. Also, if I'm working on thinner fabrics, I'll use a shorter stitch, whereas if the fabric is thicker, I tend to lengthen my stitch, but not over 2.5. I do go longer (3.0) for FMQ.

QandE2010

Exactly what I use. I use 4. More than 3 for quilting.

wraez

my default is 2.4 and I tend to keep it that way ... just cuz it is easy to not change

caspharm

My Janome actually has a "piecing' stitch and the default is 1.8. I agree that it does make ripping out a seam a little more difficult.

gale

I use 2.2 for regular piecing, 1.8 if I'm pressing seams open or for paper piecing. I use 2.8 or 3 for quilting and binding.

nls

Default stitch is 2.4 which I use.

Annaquilts

I use 2.2. I agree 1.8 is small. Is there any way you can change the automatic setting? That would annoy me unless I do paper piecing only.