Quilting in the ditch was the least preferred method when I began quilting way back when. Have to admit I felt guilty every time I've resorted to it since. But I was delighted when I read an article about it in my new American Quilter magazine. I learned a few new tricks, which usually involve "unlearning" some old rules. One starts at the outer edge of the quilt, not the center, and bastes 1/4 inch all around. Then moving inward, stitch in the ditch all the borders, then the sashing, and finally within the blocks. Also gave some tips on thread...finest possible...and needles...#70...needle position to the right...and more.
Well, I put on some country music and put the pedal to the you-know-what and before I knew it, quilted the whole darn thing this afternoon. I used a decorative stitch in various colors for the Color Block Challenge blocks. That took the longest, but it highlighted each block so well. Now all that's left to do is bury those threads and get an ice bag for my aching neck. But it was worth it.
Don't feel guilty about ditch stitching!! Sometimes it is the very best way to anchor the quilt and then you can add more if you want. Will we get to see this for our meeting?? Ox
ReplyDeleteYou betcha!
DeleteInteresting tips! Why needle to the right - I'm curious. I quilt in the ditch quite often. Yours looks great!
ReplyDeleteQuilter Susan K. Cleveland says it helps her guide the seam through the machine straighter when she keeps seams parallel to the inside edge of the foot. I found that the second position over worked with my walking foot.
DeleteI'll have to try that - thanks!
DeleteNicely done! I just love when I sit down to try something new and it actually works :0) for me. This quilt is looking really great!
ReplyDeleteHappy Sewing
I love stitch in the ditch, even though I haven't been able to do it well. I'll have to look up the tips in the magazine. Yours looks great, especially with the deco stitching! Oh, and your "disappearing nine-patch" is clever and will make some baby very happy.
ReplyDeleteThe quilt looks great. Lots of mention of how useful ditch stitching is for stabelizing a quilt then go for it.
ReplyDeleteLooks great Helen - your quilting lets those colourful fabrics speak for themselves :)
ReplyDeleteI've been told that stitching in the ditch is the UNDER GARMENTS of the quilting. ;-) I always do it to hold everything in place... I can't wait to see how your color challenge piece finished! love the peek!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing it next Saturday ... looks lovely!
ReplyDeleteLooking good, Helen! Inspiring!
ReplyDeleteI just bought the magazine specifically for the ditch quilting article, now I am going to read it. Always looking for good tips.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Helen.