How to Stitch in the Ditch – Quilt Tutorial with Video

Learn more about the stitch in the ditch quilting technique. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned quilters, this machine quilting method that follows the lines of your piecing and the quilting blends into the seams.

Use a topstitch foot and line the blade right in the seam line and stitch. It is recommended to use a thread color that will blend with the fabrics to make the stitching seem to disappear. Some people call the topstitch foot a ditch foot for their sewing machine.

You can use a walking foot, also referred to as an even feed foot, for your sewing machine. When using a walking foot, there is no center guide, you need to pay close attention to sew right in the seam line.

What is Stitch in the Ditch?

Stitch in the ditch is a quilting technique that involves sewing inside the existing seams or “ditches” created by piecing together the quilt top. The ditch stitching is done through all of the layers of the quilt in the middle of your seam.

The goal is to achieve nearly invisible stitches that blend with the quilt design, emphasizing the pieced blocks rather than the quilting itself. This method is especially popular for showcasing intricate quilt patterns. And, is perfect for an easy quilting pattern for simple baby quilts.

Tips for Successful Stitch in the Ditch Quilting:

1. Start with accurate piecing:
   To make stitch in the ditch quilting easier, strive for accurate piecing when assembling your quilt top. Take extra care while aligning seams, pressing them flat, and trimming excess fabric. Well-pieced blocks with matching seam allowances will make it easier to quilt in the ‘ditches’.
2. Choose the right thread:
   Selecting the appropriate thread is crucial for stitch in the ditch quilting. Generally, it’s best to select a thread color that matches the fabric or blends in seamlessly. I like to use a light weight thread for this type of quilting, like Bottom Line. Being super light weight, it just blends right into the seamline.
3. Mark where you will stitch:
   You don’t need to stitch every pieced line, depending on the end use for the quilt. If the quilt will be used and loved, like for a baby quilt, you should quilt at least every 4-6 inches. If the quilt will be used as art on the wall, you can extend the quilting to every 6-8 inches. To keep track of where you plan on stitching, mark the seams or “ditches”. You can use temporary fabric marking tools like chalk, water-soluble pens, or painter’s tape. NOTE: Always test chalk, markers and pens on a scrap of fabric to make sure they remove easily! Stitch in the ditch is best for straight line piecing.
4. Start from the center on the top of the quilt:
   Change your sewing machine foot to the top stitch foot. You’ll do this with your feed dogs up.
   To maintain quilt stability, start quilting in the center and work your way to the edges of the quilt. This technique reduces the chance of fabric shifting and helps distribute any minor inconsistencies in tension more evenly across the quilt. Begin stitching along the marked ditch, securing your starting point with a few backstitches or by manually knotting the threads.
5. Take it slow and steady:
   When quilting in the ditch, work slow and steady. The goal is for the stitching to be exactly over the ‘ditch’ from the seam. Let the machine guide the layers of the quilt while you focus on keeping the stitches aligned with the seam. Avoid pulling or tugging the fabric – it may lead to uneven stitches or distortion.
6. Practice makes perfect:
   As with any quilting or sewing technique, practice is key to mastering stitch in the ditch quilting. Start with a small project, such as a table runner or placemat, to build your confidence before moving on to larger quilts. The more you practice, the more control you’ll have over your stitches, resulting in beautifully quilted projects.

Here is how stitch in the ditch quilting looks on a finished quilt:

How to Get Started with Stitch in the Ditch Quilting:

1. Gather your supplies:
   To begin stitch in the ditch quilting, gather the necessary supplies:
   – Quilt top, batting, and backing fabric
   – Sewing machine with a foot with a center blade to nestle into the seam
   – Matching thread, monofilament threads are an option if you like the look. Sometimes I like to use a fine thread like a bobbin thread so that it disappearing into the seam more.
   – Scissors, pins, and other sewing essentials
2. Prepare your quilt sandwich:
   Layer your quilt top, batting, and backing fabric to create a quilt sandwich. Make sure the layers are smooth and basted securely using safety pins or basting spray.
3. Set up your sewing machine:
   Attach the topstitching foot to your sewing machine and thread it with the chosen thread color. Keep you needle in the center position. Adjust the stitch length to your preference, typically around 2.5mm to 3.0mm for stitch in the ditch quilting. Use a universal needle in size 80/12 or 90/14.
4. Start stitching:
   Begin quilting from the edge at the center of the quilt, following the ditches along the seam line where the fabrics meet. Take your time and maintain a slow, steady pace. Backstitch or manually knot the threads at the beginning and end of each seam to secure the stitches.
5. Complete the quilting:
   Continue stitching in the ditch along the chosen seams until the entire quilt is quilted.