Stitch in the ditch
06-12-2010, 03:36 PM
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Illinois
Posts: 9,312
I use both a 2.5 and a 3.0, just depends on the project. A true stitch in the ditch is exactly on the seam , so it "disappears " in the loft of the quilt. I usually use invisable thread either the clear or the smoke ( for darker fabrics) color depending on the project. If you are getting a bit of gathering loosen the top tension, especially if you are using the invisable thread. Also you should be using a top stitch needle. I have done a few projects that i did stich in the ditch with a metallic thread to highlight each 1 inch square. Still not sure if that was really worth the effort.
Some have the opinion that if you stitch exactly on the seam it could damage the threads in the seam. I have been Stiching in the ditch for 15 years and have never had any issue with seam damage.
Some have the opinion that if you stitch exactly on the seam it could damage the threads in the seam. I have been Stiching in the ditch for 15 years and have never had any issue with seam damage.
06-12-2010, 03:42 PM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Ten Mile, Tennessee
Posts: 869
I have a question too about Stitch in the Ditch. Do you have to stitch in the seam or can you stitch a thread-width outside the seam? Maybe that technique would be called Stitch along the Ditch ??
06-12-2010, 07:54 PM
#13
Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Lake Havasu Arizona
Posts: 78
Earleen
I have used the stitch in the ditch on my recent log cabin blocks done in the Cotton theory method. Only I used what Betty calls a wobble stitch! It is like a zig zag and I would need to switch on my machine to tell you the exact stitch length and width if you are interested in trying this method. It works great because it hits both sides of the seam.
I have used the stitch in the ditch on my recent log cabin blocks done in the Cotton theory method. Only I used what Betty calls a wobble stitch! It is like a zig zag and I would need to switch on my machine to tell you the exact stitch length and width if you are interested in trying this method. It works great because it hits both sides of the seam.
06-13-2010, 10:19 AM
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Ten Mile, Tennessee
Posts: 869
Originally Posted by Mrs Cotton Theory
Earleen
I have used the stitch in the ditch on my recent log cabin blocks done in the Cotton theory method. Only I used what Betty calls a wobble stitch! It is like a zig zag and I would need to switch on my machine to tell you the exact stitch length and width if you are interested in trying this method. It works great because it hits both sides of the seam.
I have used the stitch in the ditch on my recent log cabin blocks done in the Cotton theory method. Only I used what Betty calls a wobble stitch! It is like a zig zag and I would need to switch on my machine to tell you the exact stitch length and width if you are interested in trying this method. It works great because it hits both sides of the seam.
06-13-2010, 11:00 AM
#17
Banned
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Sturbridge, Ma
Posts: 3,992
i tend to lengthen the stitch to accommodate the extra bulk of the batting. The default stitch is set for sewing two pieces of fabric. So, lengthen a bit will accommodate the extra layers. Stitch in the ditch is usually thought to be almost invisible and just give dimension to the area it is stitched around.
06-13-2010, 12:59 PM
#18
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Clay Springs AZ
Posts: 3,229
I have gone up to 3.5 stitch length and like it.
Stitch in the ditch is not on top of the seam but next to it so that the fold of fabric covers the stitchs.
Not easy when some folds are going the opposite way of others.
Stitch in the ditch is not on top of the seam but next to it so that the fold of fabric covers the stitchs.
Not easy when some folds are going the opposite way of others.
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