FQ Stash Queen

Had the same problem - solved it the first time by ripping out what I started and hand quilting. After that, my friend showed me an easy way to stitch just outside of the ditch rather than directly in it, and it's a lot harder to see my mistakes.

quilterella

I use my walking foot as a guide and echo each side of the seam not quite 1/4" on each side. I can't SID straight for the life of me, it is not only frustrating, but time consuming...especially if you're not happy with the final results. I would spend more time ripping stitches out, so now I just echo my seams.

blahel

try not to go in the ditch and i bet you end up in there! :lol:

CindyBee

I was taught SID this way as well. It's the low side of the seam. You can get very close to the actual seam and once stitched the fabric relaxes and the stitch disappears into the ditch.

noahscats7

Well guys, Thank you so much for all of your advise. Truthfully I feel I can use bits and pieces of everyones.
I don't have a sid foot but used a quilting foot....thought that was what you used...oh well. The front of it made it impossible to even see the ditch, let alone get in it. But I have finished it now except for the binding and thankfully I have that mastered. If and when I make another one I will use a wiggley stitch #1 will free motion #2 will become a hand quilter #3. So for this one it's my baby and me and DH will overlook the flaws because it's soooooooo soft and the 6 cats already love it because it's sooooooooo soft. So once again...THANKS to you all. One more question, would washing it help hide anything?

EasyPeezy

Where you want it to be. LOL
Seriously, I'm doing just that right now and I know how frustrating it can
get. You don't need a stitch in the ditch foot. You can use the open toe.
I know a lot of people say not to look at the needle but I find that's
what works best for me. Also, slow down at every intersection and
check if you have to move slightly to the right or to the left to hit the next
ditch. I guess it all depends how you pressed your seams. I think it's
easier to SID when all the seams are pressed open. JMHO. Otherwise
you have to jump at every intersection.
Finally, use a sharp needle and you won't have any problem going in the ditch.

Tinabodina

A walking foot works well. It helps me keep more of the stitches where they should be. It works very well for lines and angels. ;-)

dasmith2

Hmm. An open toe foot would've worked wonders the other day when I was practicing. I couldnt tell where I was until after it was stitched. I couldnt really figure out where the ditch was either. Thanks for asking this question!