Gwyn

Have you tried using flannel for the batting instead of regular batting? When I couldn't do it on my machine, I tried flannel and go slowly without anything fancy and it works great. I can't go much bigger than 24 x 24.

MarthaT

I'm with you. I've tried machine quilting numerous times on smaller projects and, while I consider myself very experienced and accurate with using the sewing machine, I can't seem to do a satisfactory job with even something as simple as stitching in the ditch when it comes to machine quilting. I still use the machine on some small things (like potholders), but I will hand quilt most things. I just like the handmade look of hand quilting anyway.

desertrose

Have you considered using the adhesive backed paper patterns for doing designs, stipple, etc. on your quilts. You did mention you were impatient with practicing new things. These are available from Keepsake Quilting on rolls and can be used on bindings, quilt tops and fill in areas. Just a thought for impatient quilter's.

AliKat

I am definitely not good with SID ... but can do FMQ on the more modest sized quilts I do. FMQ has more flow and errors are usually much smaller and seldom noticed. The more you practice the easier it is ... because it flows gently. SID is much more exacting for me.

Can you tell I am most worst critic?

ali

Gwyn

I don't care for stitch in the ditch either. I would much rather stitch 1/2" inside or outside of the seam lines.

gaigai

It can take a while to master any skill. SITD isn't hard, but you have a great quilt shop there in Granbury, so ask them for some help: tips or even a class.

omak

Stitching in the ditch is very difficult.
solution - - use a decorative stitch and stitch along the line of the seam, or use a slight zig zag stitch.
Machine quilting a full quilt without having enough support of it to keep it from pulling against the feed dogs
solution - - push the table your machine is sitting on into a corner, having the corner at the left (northwest) of your machine, the machine sitting on the lower right of the table. This will keep your quilt from dragging the quilt through your machine too fast out the back. or dragging off to the left side because the wall is really your friend.
Use another table sitting at your left - - or your ironing board set as close to your table height as possible ... added support for your quilt.
Practice does make perfect, but as I said .... SID is very difficult for the best of us. (which is one of the reasons I started free motion quilting <g>) I can quilt faster and cover more area with FMQ than SID ... there are a number of great tutorials and threads on this board to encourage you ... I salute you for your love of handquilting.
Yes, the machine is faster, but there is much more satisfaction in your hand quilting - - needle workers know where of you speak. <wave>

biscuitqueen

practice, practice, practice every day you will get better and better. I take old scraps sew scraps of batting together and make sandwiches and practice making designs and try to follow them over and over.