quilting with a zig zag

[TooMuchFabric]

Yesterday I saw a demonstration where a young woman was using a plain zig zag machine(much older model)to quilt. She was using a small zig zag and going around the blocks then doing the stitch in the ditch method on straight pieces. It was very attractive. She was not using a walking foot...just plain old zig zag foot. She had it pinned pretty close together and the back looked nice as well as the front. Jo Ann

[sewbug]

The problem I have with zig zag is turning a corner, it never looks balanced or even.

[Joannequilts]

JoAnn - this is too funny! I just did this about 2 weeks ago! I had made a nautical baby quilt and I was machine quilting it. It had fused applique boats (it was my first time using fusible applique, I usually do regular hand applique). One of the sides of the boat sail was coming loose from the backing, so in desperation I zig-zagged as I quilted to hold the edges of the applique down. It looked really pretty!!

:0)
Joanne

[LadyRags]

What I have been seeing a lot of is the SERPENTINE stitch instead of doing a stitch in the ditch. This is great for baby and utiltiy quilts. Many machines have that stitch in the utility section... kind of lazy S pattern that ambles across both sides of the ditch to secure the fabric.

I also like using decorative stitches for quilting down... I spent a lot of money for my machine and by-jingle I am going to use every stitch on it.

The fine zig-zag stitch is used for applique but it take practice and patients. I like making simple applique blocks to practice my skills before I start on an important project. MY G-kids get these practice blocks thown into their drag around quilts.

[Evie]

My Grandmother passed away about 35 years ago. Her last machine only did straight and zigzag stitches. I have potholders that she made using the zigzag to quilt them with. They are still in use and have not unraveled at all!

[1quiltinnana]

Funny as I was thinking of trying the Zig Zag stitch to quilt blocks etc. I will try it.