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    #1

    Using decorative stitches to quilt?

    So I feel really dumb having to ask this but can anyone shed some light on using the decorative stitches on my Sapphire 835 for quilting? I have used a couple of them on fabric but never as a quilting stitch. I know a lot of them call for interfacing but I'm not sure how that would work on a quilt as it would make things much stiffer.

    So- If I wanted to one of the more decorative stitches like the "wavy stretched out S" (not sure the correct name?) what do I need to do once I have my top pieced and everything sandwiched? Quilt as if it were a standard straight stitch? Add interfacing? Other tips/tricks/advice?

    I'm doing a zig-zag quilt and I was thinking of quilting lines on the diagonal and alternating straight stitching and those wavy "S" lines.

    I guess I could make some practice sandwiches and just play with it but I figured it was worth asking here too.
    Loosely based on a true story.
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    #2
    Re: Using decorative stitches to quilt?

    Hey Ryan... I've not used them on quilts.. but with the batting and backing you may be just fine.. if there is a "pressure" adjustment you might want to read up on that. As a safety,, you could used watersoluable stabilizer you could put on the bottom and top if you feel it would help. then just soak away... it helps keep the thread on top instead of sinking in..you are right. play around a bit..but shop around as well for the stabilizer.. those packages can be pricy.. once you decide you will be using it.. Walmart used to sell it on the bolt.. and there is a place called AllStitch that has very good pricing on stabalizers... B
    "Each day well-lived and Happy;
    that's all there is to Life!"

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      #3
      Re: Using decorative stitches to quilt?

      I've only seen the decorative stitching used along seamlines, like stitching in the ditch. I see no reason why you couldn't use it other ways.
      pat.

      No rain....no rainbows!


      sigpic

      If you can't be nice.....BE QUIET!

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        #4
        Re: Using decorative stitches to quilt?

        Since I haven't conquered FMQ yet I use alternative stitches like that S and others in straight lines.....never had a problem (no interfacing!) . I think they've turned out lovely, of course !! LOL
        :icon_wave: Lynn

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          #5
          Re: Using decorative stitches to quilt?

          No need for interfacing/stabilizer! Your layers ARE the stabilizer.

          I use them all the time. Just stitch as normal. That "s" stitch in particular I really love.
          Cathryn

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            #6
            Re: Using decorative stitches to quilt?

            I have a different machine and use the "S" wavy line. I have two of those "S" patterns on my machine and one is quite a bit bigger and longer stitch, so that's the one I use. Do it the same as you would using a straight stitch. Sandwich the quilt and stitch away!

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              #7
              Re: Using decorative stitches to quilt?

              Ryan, I used the stitch you are talking about - I believe it is called the serpentine stitch - on my Christmas table topper. Here is a link to the thread - http://forum.missouriquiltco.com/sho...-2-square.html. If you click on the picture you can see the stitching better. Your layers are your interfacing. I did using my walking foot and had no problem with the stitch. Good luck.
              Wendy
              http://www.pinterest.com/wlrich2/boards/

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                #8
                Re: Using decorative stitches to quilt?

                I use this stitch but I put the stitch length to the highest 4.5 on mine
                Any smaller and I feel that the fabric will tear.

                The other fancy stitches I feel use up too much thread and are to
                Tight
                :icon_wave:

                https://www.facebook.com/?sk=nf

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                  #9
                  Re: Using decorative stitches to quilt?

                  I used the "wavy S stitch" on my machine to quilt a baby quilt, instead of doing stitch in the ditch. I tested it on a scrap quilt sandwich to get the width and length of the stitch set. Then I centered the walking foot over the seams in the quilt and stitched like doing SITD. It was so much easier and I liked the way it turned out. Sorry I don't have a photo.
                  *~* Myrna *~*
                  *~* Quilters lead pieceful lives *~*

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                    #10
                    Re: Using decorative stitches to quilt?

                    I don't have your specific machine but have used decorative stitches on quilted items before. I would run a few test lines on practice sandwiches. I did find some stitches on my Pfaff worked just fine with the sandwich without stabilizer while a couple worked better with the stabilizer underneath. I think the stitches you are talking about would look really nice and if you have to use a stabilizer it should just tear off without a problem.
                    Ann

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                      #11
                      Re: Using decorative stitches to quilt?

                      The wavy "S" stitch (aka serpentine) is a must on any new machine I buy in the future. My friend has it on her Husqvarna and uses it for quilting. I love the look.
                      Donna

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                        #12
                        Re: Using decorative stitches to quilt?

                        It's perfectly fine to use your decorative stitches for quilting. Interfacing isn't needed - the three layers of your quilt sandwich is enough. Sometimes I lengthen my decorative stitches for quilting. I believe you mentioned the serpentine stitch, which would be great. Make yourself a sandwich and practice with a few stitches and see how you like them.
                        sigpicwww.whisperofrose.blogspot.com


                        Scottie Mom Barb

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                          #13
                          Re: Using decorative stitches to quilt?

                          Thanks for all the advice and encouragement.

                          I am home sick today (sinus infection) and thought I'd throw a relatively simple top together real quick and be quilting by lunch time. Well, it is almost 1PM and I've only gotten the horizontal rows put together and some serious squaring of those will be required before they can be joined to even finish the top.

                          Oh well. The top is looking okay, it is a "no-triangles" zig-zag pattern made with another of those cheapo rainbow jelly rolls opposite Kona white (just like the Bento Box quilt). My blocks aren't lining up as well as I feel like they should but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that once it bunches up a little in the wash it will look fine. I don't think the baby it is being made for will know the difference anyway.
                          Loosely based on a true story.

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                            #14
                            Re: Using decorative stitches to quilt?

                            I have the H. Viking Opal 670. I used the curved stitch (not serpentine) with the walking foot for the white border on Noah's Ark #2. There are a couple pics in the album that sort of show the border stitching if you look closely. I did a double row. It sort of made it look like clouds. I use the Woven Medium fabric setting when I quilt. I frequently use the straight stitch with the little arrow out to the side (I don't know what to call it) when I sew the SITD binding. If you use a gauge to fold the binding over the same width--I use 9 cm. or between the 1/2 & 5/8"-- you can stitch on the front & the stitches on the back will be pretty even along the edge of the binding, with the little arrow catching the edge of the binding about every 4-5 stitches. I always press the folded binding after it's pinned all the way around. I plan to take advantage of more of the decorative stitches, but some of them use a lot of thread, so that eliminates quite a few. Also, some would be more difficult to pick out if that were needed. I suggest you use a sample sandwich & try out different stitches, with dif. lengths, widths, etc. to see what you think. JCY

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                              #15
                              Re: Using decorative stitches to quilt?

                              I posted a few min. ago, but couldn't find my post. LOL Anyway, I grabbed my camera & took 3 more pics to demo. what I mentioned about the stitching. This quilt gets gifted on Sat., so I won't be able to take any more pics after that. These should show what I was trying to explain in my other post.Noah's Ark #2 - Stitching - Jan., 2014 001.jpgNoah's Ark #2 - Stitching - Jan., 2014 002.jpgNoah's Ark #2 - Stitching - Jan., 2014 003.jpg JCY

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