I Thought Stitch in the Ditch meant in the Seam

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03-28-2015, 03:31 AM

#31

lclang

Super Member

Join Date: Nov 2009

Posts: 2,061

Forget stitch in the ditch. It's nearly impossible to stay exactly on that seam line. If your machine has a nice serpentine stitch, use that. If it's slightly off no one will notice and it's much more interesting.

03-28-2015, 04:49 AM

#32

julybaby8

Super Member

Join Date: Jun 2010

Location: Southwestern Ontario

Posts: 1,461

Quote:

Originally Posted by cindi

And weakening the seam, as you'd be sewing directly on (and through) the threads that hold the seam together.

I would think that the sewing wouldn't be as secure if you sewed over the threads in the seam instead of the fabric.
I stitch a little away from the seam, I like to see the stitches.

03-28-2015, 05:49 AM

#33

Seaside gal

Senior Member

Join Date: Jan 2012

Location: By the beach

Posts: 597

I thought it meant stitch in the seam line too. I always wondered if it weakened the seam. Always something new to learn.

03-28-2015, 06:04 AM

#34

Linda58

Senior Member

Join Date: Jun 2010

Location: South Texas

Posts: 639

Thanks Ladies, I learned a lot from this discussion. I also was taught to stitch right in the seam and I always thought that it might break the threads from the seam, so I have avoided do it.

03-28-2015, 06:27 AM

#35

katesnanna

Super Member

Join Date: Aug 2010

Location: Brisbane, Australia

Posts: 3,453

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadQuilter

I actually pull the seam apart just slightly and sew on the "low" side. Then when I release the seam, the stitch is dang near buried "in the ditch."

This is how I was taught by my first quilt teacher. I have in the ditch feet for 2 of my machines but don't like them. I can eyeball it better.

03-28-2015, 06:39 AM

#36

margecam52

Super Member

Join Date: Nov 2010

Location: Littlefield, TX, USA

Posts: 1,077

Very difficult to get right in the ditch. By stitching as close to the seam (even in it) on the side of the seam opposite of the side that has the bulk...even if you don't hit the "ditch" exactly...the stitches will be buried (for the most part) by the bulk on the other side.

Depending on the batting & the type of fabrics..some SID hides better than others.

I hesitate when a customer presses her seams open...with those I try to use a design that avoids the seams, or just stitch a meandering line over the seams.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CAS49OR

I thought the goal was to aim for the seam or if you prefer right beside it. According to an article on Craftsy the "ditch" is actually the side of the seam that does not have the bulk of the fabric.

03-28-2015, 06:41 AM

#37

rjwilder

Super Member

Join Date: Nov 2010

Posts: 1,547

I think I'll go with Iclang's suggestion and use the serpentine stitch or some other fancy stitch. Thanks for that idea!

03-28-2015, 07:02 AM

#38

Marysewfun

Super Member

Join Date: May 2010

Location: Somewhere neat!

Posts: 1,146

I saw a neat tutorial the other day where the an adjustable "stitch in the ditch" foot or a hemmer foot can be used for making straight column stitching next to each other, like top stitching on a collar or anything using that little bar as your distance guide. Think it was a Claire Rowley video on YouTube. Don't know if I am saying it right but it was a neat I idea I had not thought of.

Marysewfun

03-28-2015, 07:07 AM

#39

ManiacQuilter2

Power Poster

Join Date: Jun 2011

Location: Southern California

Posts: 19,127

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaperPrincess

That's how I learned to do it, on the low (ditch) side of the seam, as close to the seam as you can get, but not right on it.

This is how I learn too in the late 80s. I don't understand these "new rules". Maybe it is because that "new" instructors don't want you to hide your stitching.