jmoore

I do one or the other, if I'm FMQ I use an adhesive.

Maureen NJ

I have taken Cindy. Needham's class and she makes a good point for ESS. I questioned her about what the back would look like with ESS and FMQ and she said it would look fine if you use bottom line for ESS. Actually, she only uses 60 wt bottom line or 100 wt silk for her quilts. I have 5 quilt tops down and plan to use Sharon Schambler's basting technique (which. I have used with success-love it), and then use bottom line or masterpiece on top and bottom for ESS and then decide about quilting inside the blocks maybe with 40 wt King Tut. I love the piecing but am so unconfident about the joining.

kwiltkrazy

All that stitching in the ditch would confuse your quilting pattern, I very rarely do overall stitch in the ditch> I find that If I start in the middle with my pattern and work my way out, puddling the quilt as I go, it works the best for me. I can't use the spray baste, my husband has breathing issues, but friends use the spray and love it and don't use anything else( no pins to make sure it doesn't slip). Also, I only use my free motion quilt when I quilt, even for stitch in the ditch. Just remember quilting is fun, take it slow and enjoy it. Experiment and enjoy the process. Good luck, and have fun.