Today’s Topic: Sample Stitch in the Ditch Quilting
Welcome to Week Nineteen of The Better Machine Quilt-a-long based on my book 25 Days to Better Machine Quilting.
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Good Morning, Quilters!
Yesterday we discussed the when, why and how of stitching in the ditch. It is an important technique to have in your “workbasket” of skills and it is equally important to know when to use the different methods of stitching in the ditch. The BEST way to decide which method is the best method for your quilt is to create samples for close comparison.
This week, make samples of these five techniques:
NOTE–The weight and loft of the batting will effect the outcomes. These samples are stitched on low loft cotton batting where the stitch in the ditch is less obvious than higher loft battings.
Machine Guided Stitch in the Ditch
Free Motion Stitch in the Ditch (not shown here)
Free Motion Stitch Over the Ditch
Decorative Motif without Stitch in the Ditch Quilting First
Stitch in the Ditch Quilting with Decorative Motif Over
Ideas for Samples
Piece Mini Quilts:
To make each mini quilts, Cut 36 squares: 2-1/2 by 2-1/2. Piece them in a 6 x6 checkerboard. Add a 3/4 inch small border (cut size + 1 1/4 inch) and a 2 inch border (cut size 2-1/2 inches. (Page 98 of 25 Days to Better Machine Quilting).
Use leftover or “orphan” blocks from your collection.
Stitch a larger quilt and sample the five methods within the quilt
Label the blocks with the methods!
Evaluation
Which of the methods looks the best?
Do YOU prefer free motion or machine guided stitching in the ditch?
Is it worth the time to stitch “Every Stinking Seam–the Cindy Needham Way” before adding decorative motifs?
For each method, when would YOU consider using it?
Did you try a variety of threads? Which worked best?
What batting loft and fiber did you sample? Would a different batting create a different effect?
Ready for a Little Fun?
Tomorrow–let’s get out of the ditch! We will take a pause from this technical stuff with a little trick or treating!
Friday: stabilization–an important, but somewhat less exciting topic!
Your Straight and Narrow (emphasis on the narrow-as in front to back–not mindset) quilter,
Lori
PS…All tutorials, images and information are the property of Lori Kennedy Quilts and are intended for personal use only. Feel free to re-blog, pin or share with attribution to LKQ. For all other purposes, please contact me at Lori@LoriKennedyQuilts.com. Thank you!
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Machine Guided Stitch in the Ditch
Free Motion Stitch in the Ditch
Free Motion Stitch Over the Ditch
Stitch in the Ditch Quilting with Decorative Motif Over
Decorative Motif without Stitch in the Ditch Quilting First