Stitch in the Ditch Quilting

Stitch in the Ditch Quilting Basics

Stitch in the ditch quilting can be done as either a form of basting quilt layers together before more intricate quilting is done, or it can be the only quilting on a project. Essentially any quilt, except for whole cloth quilts, can be quilted with stitch in the ditch quilting because they all have some kind of seam. Ashley demonstrates how to do this quilting by simply stitching in the seam between two fabrics.

Stitch in the ditch quilting can be considered tedious when you first begin because it can be difficult to keep the stitching in the ditch. Ashley shares a tip on how to make keeping the stitches lined up easier by using a stitch in the ditch presser foot. This foot has a small fin along the front and underside that can be lined up right along the seam being stitched, ensuring that the stitches are accurately placed. Ashley shows how to use this foot for stitch in the ditch quilting and also gives tips on how to adjust the fabric to ensure the stitching happens where it is intended to. Fabric may need to be adjusted when stitching over the intersection of four or more pieces, especially if all of those pieces are different colors.

Ashley explains that stitch in the ditch quilting is generally done in a thread color that matches most of the fabric colors in the quilt, but that when stitching between fabrics of greatly contrasting colors it is very important to stitch slowly and ensure that the stitching is happening along the seam. Check out more videos for other fun ideas and more tips and techniques.