Stitch in the Ditch
#21
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Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: lexington ky
Posts: 1,418
I have one of these feet, but I don't use it anymore because I'm too much of a perfectionist for SITD. What I am doing instead now is using a "serptentine" stitch, which is basically a wavy stitch to left and right. It goes right over the seam allowance but I no longer have to worry about deviations from the seam (they basically don't show up) plus I can sew faster this way.
#22
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Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 17,827
#23
I started using a 'wobbly' stitch that is on the machine when I stitch in the ditch. Some stitches are on one side, some on the other. It looks like it is supposed to look like that, even though I would have preferred a nice straight stitch.
Anita in Northfield, MN
Anita in Northfield, MN
#25
To all the quilters that are doing the serpentine stitch over the seam, I have a question. Are you dropping the feed dogs or just sewing serpentine over the seams? If so what stitch length? I apologize if your posts are clear to most, I'm easily confused :0)
#27
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
On my Bernina 1230, the serpentine is stitch #3 on the main panel. It basically does 3 straight stitches towards one side, 2 smaller stitches forward, then 3 straight stitches towards the other side. This creates a wave pattern. Both stitch length and width of the wave are adjustable.
Older vintage machines may not have the serpentine stitch unless perhaps it is offered on a cam.
I don't use a walking foot with this stitch, although it might be possible. I just rummaged in my foot drawer and used a foot that has a zigzag opening but is closed in front. (Tried an open-toed embroidery foot first, but found that top fabric tended to bunch up in it.) This foot has a mark in the middle so I can more or less just aim to keep the seam at that mark. Small variations from the mark really do not matter at all, so I find I can sew quite fast with this stitch. Also, because there are more stitches per inch, this is actually more secure than straight SID.
Last edited by Prism99; 03-17-2012 at 09:58 AM.
#30
As I age I lean away from perfection...lol I don't SID very often. I now use the #4 stitch on my Bernina 440 - stitch length 2.50. It lays down a gentle wavy line that reaches over both sides of the seam. I get LOTS of compliments on the look, and I've saved myself the eye strain of TRYING to hit the "ditch" spot on.
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AngelinaMaria
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12-06-2012 12:02 PM