Dritz Stitch-In-The-Ditch Tool

[dfrank27]

Hi all,
I recently purchased a Dritz stitch in the ditch tool. I don't understand how it is supposed to work. The directions were very minimal. I understand that I put the tool on the "ditch". However, if I do that, then it is too far over for my foot to sew in the ditch. :roll:

I'm hoping that someone has used or seen someone use it, and could point me in the right direction to getting the quilt top, sewing foot and tool, to work together.

Any ideas, would be very much appreciated!

Thank You,

Kathy

[dfrank27]

Just looked it up on line--sorry, I can't help you. Hope someone is familiar with it and helps you soon.

[kathyst2]

I looked it up on the internet- it is a tool used for long arm quilting. There are lots of similar tools available for longarmers. It is used with a hopping foot, that is different from a standard sewing machine quilting foot. it is 1/4 inch thick so the hopping foot won't run over it. You put the edge of the ruler against the hopping foot and move the machine along the ruler edge to make a straight line of stitching. You have to put your needle in the ditch and then move the ruler up against the foot.

I have a Handiquilter sit down machine- this is a mid-arm machine with a hopping foot but the machine stays stationary, and you move the fabric like with a regular sewing machine. When I use a ruler with that machine I have to hold the ruler down hard and move the fabric and ruler together. It just helps to keep the stitching from wandering out of a straight line. It's almost easier to do it without the ruler, free-hand!

With a regular sewing machine, if you are quilting with your feed dogs up, you don't need anything to keep your quilting from wobbling off a straight line. The ruler won't help you find or stay in the ditch. I haven't tried my ruler with my regular sewing machine. Holding the ruler down while sewing is pretty difficult.

It's too bad that they didn't explain this better on the packaging!

Kathy

[kathyst2]

Kathy and Ritzy, thank you for taking the time to reply. I was hoping it would work on my Juki (I have a Grace Frame), which is also a mid arm. Well, at least I bought the ruler, using a 40% coupon. Supposedly, I can use one side for a 1/4" line, and the other for stitching in the ditch. I don't have a base, for the Juki, so that may be an issue as well. I also hoped I could use it to sew straight lines on my quilt. I will give it a try, and see what happens.

Again, thanks ladies for replying!

Kathy

[kathyst2]

check out Amy Johnson You Tube videos for using rulers on a domestic machine.

[kathyst2]

A ruler base for your Juki would definitely help you use the tool. I'm not familiar with that one, but I've learned a lot about using rulers and templates on longarms, because I adapted the technique for using rulers with regular sewing machines and sit down long arms.

Those wanting to use rulers in this way on a might want to check out the information I have here: http://www.freemotionquiltingadventures.com where they can also find a discount to my class on craftsy on using rulers.