when I start to stitch in the ditch I reach a point where the block starts to bunch up. What am I doing wrong? I am brand new at quilting and have only been able to learn by watching You Tube. Thanks for you help in advance.
maddie
when I start to stitch in the ditch I reach a point where the block starts to bunch up. What am I doing wrong? I am brand new at quilting and have only been able to learn by watching You Tube. Thanks for you help in advance.
maddie
Are you using a walking foot? What stitch length are you using? Be sure that your block is not hanging on the side of the sewing machine or sewing surface.
Welcome to the forum maddie!
Yep, you need a walking foot - that should solve most of the bunching up. Also use your hands to smooth the area you will be quilting.
Good luck!
Mary
Love is the thread that mends worn hearts.
I agree on the walking foot and stitch length-what little bit I know. I just wanted to say "Hi!" and welcome to the board
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My first thought was also if you are using a walking foot.
Lessening the pressure of your presser foot can sometimes help.
Walking foot, for sure! Another trick I used before I had a walking foot was to pull on the seam from both directions, stretching it a bit, and sewing it while stretched. That eliminates uneven feeding, but it requires a steady hand.
In addition to using a walking foot, it helps to use the Machingers (the quilting gloves) to steady the quilt sandwich. JCY
Thank you all for your help. I will try them all. I am an ex-pat living in the country of Panama. The woman who is a quilter turned me on to quilting which I love, but she moved back to the US before I reached this point. There is a guild in the town called Volcan, which is in the mountains of Panama and about an hour and a half from where I live , which is much hotter. I will try to get to the quilt soon, where I can learn more. Until then I am sure your will have more questions from me. Thanks again.
Maddie
It is possible that your sandwich isn't as taut as it needs to be.
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Fabric
Martina (aka MadQuilter in other forums)