Do you quilt off of the edges of the quilt top?

[Southern Quilts 3]

If so, do you do that while doing free motion? Or while using your computerized system? Do you use pins to secure the edges or a basting stitch? I just got my computerized system working and my clients like quilting close to the edges or quilting OFF THE EDGES so that binding is easier to attach. What is the best way to do this that will keep me from ripping stitches when the hopping foot catches the edge of the quilt? Thanks, Denise 

[SYork 17]

I baste the edges on both sides and then just quilt off the edges. Rarely I will catch the edge and it will flip when coming back on the quilt top but this doesn't happen often.

[RunningThreads 242]

Denise

If you can baste less than an eighth of an inch from the edge you will have almost no problems with the edge flipping over when the hopping foot comes back onto the quilt.  If you are using IQ you could reset the clip on each row as you get to it so you finish right at the edge.  I'm sure there are other methods as well.

 

Nigel

[loraquilts 167]

I baste the edges about 1/8" from the edge.  I used to use a basting stitch, but if the customer is going to be sewing on the binding, rather than rolling over the backing, I just use a regulated stitch and let it go.  Nice smooth edges and you'll never see the basting stitches once the binding is added anyway.  Sometimes I'll even do a little wiggle stitch on the edges.  If the customer is going to roll the backing over for the binding, I never sew off the edge of the quilt because it would show on the rolled edge.  For these quilts, I use long basting stitches about 1/8" away from the edge and then quilt within 5/8" from the edge of the quilt.  I love setting the IQ to clip the designs so they fit well within my parameters.  : )

[zeke 287]

1/8 the an inch.  Nah!!!!   As close to the edge as I can, almost off with a regular stitch.  This way there will be no over lapping when the pressed foot comes back over the edge. I hate that.  It takes a little practice, but once you learn it, it's cake mon.   Zeke

[loraquilts 167]

Zeke, that's what I mean by my little wiggle stitch.  

[zeke 287]

Oh yah.  Totally awesome and primo good.  Zeke.  

[Gator 460]

Yep, I'm with you Lora and Zeke.  I baste the edge using a zig-zag or wiggle.  I never have a problem with edge flipping.

[Primitive1 801]

I do have problems with the edge flipping up sometimes, I will have to try the wiggle stitch...

[Southern Quilts 3]

Zeke and Lora, so on your set up, do you have to disconnect the cables every time you advance the quilt to baste the edges? That's what I would have to do I think....unless there's another way?  Thanks for helping me!

[zeke 287]

Yes, I disconnect.  I've gotten so used to it, it like second nature.   It's in my routine.  Zeke.  

[Southern Quilts 3]

Thanks, Zeke, for your help!  I just noticed that you have the Compuquilter like I do....Do you mind if I ask you another question?   I've noticed that the computer takes two or three times as long as free motion for me.  Is there a way to speed up the machine?  Thanks again!

 

[stitchin cricket 75]

Thanks Zeke and Lora for the tip on basting your quilt with wiggly Lines, it has helped me tremendously. Another good tip I use came from Dawn Cavanaugh regarding how to make sure your quilt top is lined up straight. I use my channel locks and stitch a straight line across the top basting the batting and backing. Once complete, I line my quilt top up with that line before basting it down. I'm a self taught quilter and, I've learned so much from this forum, and I'm truly thankful for all the advice. 

Happy Quilting

[zeke 287]

Yep.  Self taught as well and from watching a APQS and Ken Quilt video over and over again.    That was back in 94 and on a Ken Quilt short arm 622.   Wow, the memories.   Zeke.  

[zeke 287]

Oh, and Southern.   Not unless you speed up your motor and your computer movement, but that can be very bad.  You know, needle breakage and the possibility of ripping the quilt.  Be patient, go with the flow.   Zeke. 

[quilterkp 124]

Zeke,. I would love to see a close up picture of your wiggle stitch on the edges.

 

[zeke 287]

KP, it's not really a wiggle stitch.  It's a straight stitch as close to the edge as I can get.  I've never done a wiggle stitch, but it does sound interesting.  I have an UI and I set my speed at 3.  Not too slow and not too fast.  Just right for the purpose.   Zeke.  

[quilterkp 124]

Thanks Jeke!

[Gator 460]

I do the "wiggle" stitch on the edges of my quilts.  I don't have a pic at this time but basically it's a long leisurely sewn zig zag.  When I make my "wiggle" I use the longest stich setting on my Millie.  You don't want the stitches tight in case you want to pull them out before binding.   My edges never flip over on me.  I float all my quilts and use the method mentioned to line the top up straight, "so to make sure your quilt top is lined up straight,  I use my channel locks and stitch a straight line across the top basting the batting and backing. Once complete, I line my quilt top up with that line before basting it down". 

[quilterkp 124]

Good info.  Thanks.

[MaryQuiltsTx 116]

Always good info on this forum. Appreciate everyone who takes the time to help.