redbreast

I change stitch length a lot. However,once you have done a lot of quilting you will pretty well know what length work best in each situation and automatically change length before you start stitching. I find that I do not have to test at
all any more. My biggest problem is that I sometimes forget and then have to start over.

JanieH

I love "newbie" questions for several reasons: many times it is something I did not know and just haven't thought to ask; other times, I discover a new/better/different way of doing something or get more information about a subject.

In other words, "newbie" questions are great!

roserips

Good point about basting and then resewing saves a lot of time and energy that way.

purplefiend

The default setting on my Viking Sapphire 875 is 2.5. For the mechanical machines I set for between 2.5-3.0. The antiques about 12 stitches to the inch.
Sharon

gigigray032447

I use #2 when piecing. I learned that when I made my first bargello and decided that I really liked it. I know it's more work when taking out a seam, but for what I do, I like the way the short stitch holds the cut ends.

carolaug

I made the mistake this morning and had mine at 5 - its a very loose stitch. I had to restitch them all. I was basting easier on another project.

oldtisme

citrus, that would be me, I have 4 machines & not one of them have any computer stuff at least I don't think so. They are all older machines with numbers on the dial I have to turn to change anything on them. Ahh, but someday, someday I will have a new one than has a "default setting" lol.
Jeri

tellabella

My default is 2.2....I baste at 5....and pp at 1.5...or less depending on the paper I use...

Zinda

I use the longer stitch for basting or for several layers (like handles in purses or totes). The shorter stitches I use for applique.