What stitch length should I use for machine quilting?

Details

I prefer to use a stitch that is a bit bigger than is used for piecing, usually between 2.5 and 3.5.

I recommend that before you start quilting, do a little sample with your quilt and thread and see what that combination looks like. Then just adjust it until you get something that you like.

Of course, if you are doing free motion quilting, then stitch length is determined by how you move the quilt. If you have a stitch regulator, that will help all your stitches be the same size, but otherwise it is all manual.

If you are doing walking foot or straight line quilting, then you will need to set the stitch length on your machine.

I prefer stitches to be a bit bigger because when stitching through all the layers of a quilt the longer stitch length gives the thread more to work with. I think it looks better and it is faster to do.

So when you are starting your project, just do a quick sample right off the edge of your quilt in the batting margin, and decide what length to use.

More Quilting Tips

See more quilting hacks and quick answers to your questions HERE.