tropit

I know, stitch-in-the-ditch seems so simple, but I always have problems with the fabrics shifting and bunching up when I get to another sewn corner. I use spray basting, which seems to hold OK, I lighten up on the pressure on the machine, I press the quilt nice and smooth first. What are some of your tricks? Please share...thanks.

~ Cindy

Jan in VA

Are you using polyester batting?

Tartan

I use 80/20 batt and quilt from the center out when SITD between blocks. I alternate directions for each seam and do the longer vertical seams first. When SITD the horizontal seams, I make a frame with my hands, kind of like a circle around the intersection pressing outward as I stitch over the previous seam. My Machinger gloves really help with gripping the sandwich and a walking foot will also help.

nanibi

You didn't mention it, but you are using a walking foot? (and feed dogs up, of course).

thimblebug6000

I also keep my speed down and it really helps the walking foot to do it's job of moving the quilt sandwich through at the same speed as the feed dogs.

Prism99

One thing that helps me is heavily starching both the top and batting before sandwiching. Starch stabilizes the fabrics so they are less likely to stretch as you quilt. It is the subtle stretching of fabric as you sew that causes the excess fabric to bunch up against the stitching line you are trying to cross. For the backing I like to use a 1:1 solution of Sta-Flo and water. For the top I use several layers of spray starch. You can even add layers of spray starch after sandwiching and it will help.

Jeanne S

Are you using a walking foot with the feed dogs up? If yes, perhaps can you adjust (reduce)the pressure of the pressure foot? Sounds like it is pressing down too hard on your fabric.

Jan in VA

Are you doing any basting before you quilt?
Many other good suggestions have also been made for you.

tropit

Thanks for all of the tips everyone. I'm usually using 100% cotton batting and most of the time I have a walking foot attached, but not always. I spray baste, but perhaps I should hand baste as well. I don't starch, but I do seriously iron. I work from the center of the quilt out, sometimes doing a square at a time and other times sewing an entire seam to the end. Many times, my quilting turns out fine, but it's always a struggle to get it right. Anyway, I thought I'd bring up this topic, because I'm sure that I'm not alone.

~Cindy

zennia

Cindy, believe me you are not alone. nothing is more frustrating then doing all you metioned above and your piece still shifts or bunches. I have been there many times. We just keep trying.