Backstitching on blocks
#12
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Peotone IL
Posts: 2,802
I never backstitch. If the pieces that are being stitched together will be stitched to another piece/block, that stitching will hold the seam. I secure my stitches for binding, quilting, etc with 4 or 5 stitches with the machine set at .2, the smallest stitch my machine will allow. The instructorof a FMQing class I took told us to do that. I've never had any of it come out. Not only that, I think it's easier than backstitching. And anything to make my life easier
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 317
It's hard to break the backstitch habit. Even when I'm chain piecing I can't resist taking one little backstitch at the second to last stitch at the end of each patch seam. At the beginning of small pieces, it's harder to backstitch, so I hold my finger on the patch in front of the presser foot forcing my machine to take a couple of small stitches. My quilts get washed several times a month, so I want the seams to stay put.
#15
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
rule of thumb is---if your line of stitching will be crossed by another line of stitching- back/stay stitch is not necessary- if the line of stitching stands on it's own- not crossed (which secures it) then a staystitch should be done- either by backstitching or stitching almost in place for 3-5 stitches.
#17
rule of thumb is---if your line of stitching will be crossed by another line of stitching- back/stay stitch is not necessary- if the line of stitching stands on it's own- not crossed (which secures it) then a staystitch should be done- either by backstitching or stitching almost in place for 3-5 stitches.
#18
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,548
I only back stitch on the final outer pieces of my blocks. I saw a tip recently that said to start your needle in about 1/4 inch from the edge and back stitch to the edge and then proceed. I like this idea since it keeps the feed dogs from eating the start of the fabric.
#20
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Outer Space
Posts: 9,319
There is no need to backstitch when piecing your blocks because the stitching will be anchored when another piece is stitched to it. If we had to backstitch for all piecing that would be the death of strip style peicing and you couldn't possibly do a Bargello style quilt, no assembly line piecing ala Bonnie Hunter. I only backstitch when the final outside border goes on at the edge and when I attach my binding and am doing mitered corners.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post