JeanieG

I was confused on this also when I purchased my computerized machine. In doing research, I found out the following regarding stitch lengths:

1.7 = 15 stitches per inch
2.0 = 12 stitches per inch
2.5 = 10 stitches per inch
3.0 = 8 stitches per inch
4.0 = 6 stitches per inch

Hope that helps someone!

I usually piece with 2.0 and quilt at 3.5.

QandE2010

I have a Bernina and I usually use the same settings. Today I did some SID on a table runner & I bumped it up to 3.5!

chris_quilts

I use about 10 - 12 for piecing and usually either 10 or 8 for quilting. I have only vintage machines and this is where it looks good.
Chris

Maureen

I use 2.0 for piecing and 3.0 for SID

crzypatcher

I have a Janome 6600 and use the default 2.2 for piecing but bump it up to 3.0 when I am quilting with the walking foot. I may try a 3.5 and see how I like it.

patchsamkim

I usually machine quilt with a stitch about 2.5-3 if using walking foot. When I free motion quilt, my stitch is probably more like 2, I don't have a stitch regulator, and I have a better time if my machine runs faster, and my hands slower, thus the smaller stitches.

IBQLTN

depends on the thickness of the batting but usualy 2.5 to 3.0

k9dancer

I use my vintage machines for piecing and quilting. 12 stitches per inch for piecing, 15 for paper piecing, and zero for free motion quilting. For SID, back to 12.