What stitch length do you use for piecing?

[ApplePieGuy]

I'm dealing with some super tiny stitches (like 16-17 per inch!) when taking apart thrifted fabric, which is a pain.

I know my usual 2.5-3 on my Brother is probably too long for small pieces.

What's a good stitch length that holds seams together but isn't a nightmare to rip without wrecking the fabric?

 

[Bonarmew1]

For tiny stitches like 16-17 per inch, try a stitch length around 1.8 to 2.0 mm, it's tight enough but easier to rip without damaging fabric. Have you tested that yet?

 

[Nessah_]

I usually drop my stitch length down to around 2.0 or even 1.8. for real fine fabrics like that, it still holds seams strong without being crazy tight anything shorter and you risk puckering or making ripping a nightmare.

 

[Jillian]

I use 2.5. But I also use my machines knot stitch (it takes a few stitches in place at the start and end of sewing) in the seam allowance.

If I'm sewing a strip set, which is to be diced up into pieces, I go down to 1.5.

Sometimes I will also go over the new seam when I'm sewing pieces together (like a bargello) with two backstitches at each intersection. One of my first quilts disintegrated instantly on it's first washing (I used a big stitch length) and I had to hand sew a lot of it back together.

 

[TheBobbinQueen]

Great call! That knot stitch really saves the day. Trust me, I've had a couple of quilts fall apart in the wash, and I learned that lesson the hard way

 

[beverley1955]

These are great tips! I'm new to quilting so this is saving my life! thanks