At the risk of overthinking.... opinions please

[soul60s]

So yesterday I decided not to use the monofiliment thread because when I did a test patch, I was able to pull it apart with some regular force (couldn't do that with the same piece and cotton or poly thread). The mono thread is very fine. I have 4 colors on hand of regular thread, gray, black, white, and turquoise. Since the back was predominantly black, I went with that. I did SITD. As you can see by the front picture, I, 99% of the time, stayed in the ditch (yay!!!) so the black never showed. The only stitching so far on the front is the long seams and not the short ones.


But since some of the back is in color and I had no mono, the black showed up. If it was just the cross stitches


I could let this go. But since I was following the lines on the front and not the lines on the back. On the vertical lines, it showed up too much and obviously not straight.


This does look horrible. Granted it is a practice quilt but I really do love how it came out. So here is my question. Ready for the overthinking?

Is it possible, and if it is, should I tack off the black lines where they end at the beginning of the turquoise and buy a thicker mono to replace that area for the back? Also, because my stitches are off (tension maybe?) I was planning on not quilting too close together so I would have a little puff to hide the stitches. The batting has a range of 1/2" - 3 1/2". The only way to do this I think, and this is where your help comes in also, is to tack down just the center of where the 4 pieces come together. That will give me 2"-3 1/2" tops of space between seams. I don't want to tie off like on some quilts with yarn. This is more modern/contempo and tying off is more traditional. My machine does not offer a decent decorative stitch to tack it down. Buttons IMO won't look good. So how can I do this? Any ideas?

I did run practice pieces for the tension but it seems the beginning was fine with the tension or at least it looked like it on the black but the more I sewed, the wonkier they looked. For this reason I am thinking when I buy another machine, auto tension might be important. This is also what is steering me away from the Brother 1500S or any mechanical machine where I have to play with the tension all the time.

Okay everyone.... set me straight.

[Jean Sewing Machine]

When I first started quilting, I tacked my quilts at intersections with thread that matched the fabric where I was tacking. These quilts held up OK, although they were seasonal quilts and not heavily used. I even put one on my longarm after it was bound and did a meander stitch through the quilt body to make t stronger. It's the same idea as tying bu no loops of yarn show.

[K. McEuen]

I'm thinking that I would just continue with the quilting that you are doing so far - following the front. Once it gets washed and dried I think it will be crinkly enough that the stitches on the back won't stand out as much. Unless you are planning on placing the quilt back up at times I wouldn't worry quite so much about it.

[DeniseSm]

Just my opinion, but I would not worry about how the back looked. If it is really bothering you here are two options that do not involve removing and tacking off and replacing the black thread. Try switching to a dark gray thread instead of black. Since it is in the ditch in the front you may be okay, and it won't be as stark as black on the back. Second option, even easier, get a Pigma Micron pen and color over the black thread on the backside. It won't disappear, but again it won't be as stark. Those Pigma Micron pens have saved many of my boo boos.

[soul60s]

When I first started quilting, I tacked my quilts at intersections with thread that matched the fabric where I was tacking. These quilts held up OK, although they were seasonal quilts and not heavily used. I even put one on my longarm after it was bound and did a meander stitch through the quilt body to make t stronger. It's the same idea as tying bu no loops of yarn show.

Good idea. Hate hand sewing but I'd rather do that than yarn.

[soul60s]

I'm thinking that I would just continue with the quilting that you are doing so far - following the front. Once it gets washed and dried I think it will be crinkly enough that the stitches on the back won't stand out as much. Unless you are planning on placing the quilt back up at times I wouldn't worry quite so much about it.

This quilt is a lap quilt. Just for my house. I do plan on using both sides. I am perfectly happy with the front and learned a few lessons about having the back as it's own feature. Not a good idea until you know what you are doing. When I make my sister's quilt it will be double sided so learning this now helps.

[soul60s]

Just my opinion, but I would not worry about how the back looked. If it is really bothering you here are two options that do not involve removing and tacking off and replacing the black thread. Try switching to a dark gray thread instead of black. Since it is in the ditch in the front you may be okay, and it won't be as stark as black on the back. Second option, even easier, get a Pigma Micron pen and color over the black thread on the backside. It won't disappear, but again it won't be as stark. Those Pigma Micron pens have saved many of my boo boos.

This is what I found on their site:

Fabric design* *Please note - the inks on fabrics are for "decorative purposes only" - meaning do not launder. Use on pre-laundered textile, 100% cotton. And most importantly, to pre-test on material scraps prior to final application. Have you laundered using these pens?

[GrammaBabs]

Joan,,,, this is great... just love it.. and get ready to make another quilt... that's what we are here to do isn't it...LOL OH, and don't forget to read your Bob Ross quote... it's my mantra.. only I say.. There are no mistakes,,, only creative opportunities!!!! Enjoy! GB

[vchale]

I think your quilt looks great for a first try. The quilts that I have done double sided I did a loopy or meander free motion. I have the brother 1500 and I love it. No tension problems and because you have 4 adjustments for the feed dogs I can SITD with a regular foot. I think the thing about redoing is how much it will bother you. In my opinion SITD is actually more difficult than fmq. And like has already been said, after you wash it, it will look different. Great job!

[K. McEuen]

Weird, Pigma pens are what I use to write on my quilt labels. They are permanent and have been laundered a lot. I wonder why they say that in their review.