I machine stitch the first seam sewing the front panels together. Overlap the batting and make a wavy cut through the batting cutting both pieces to prevent a bulkyness(?) if it overlaps or a long gap in batting if doesn't meet up. I turn under one side of back panel and hand stitch to other panel using hem stitch or blind stitch. It doesn't matter as much if the seams don't line up exactly. You cannot tell it was quilted in sections. Sandy
I have done the quilt as you go and it is really hard to get the second seam done with the machine. If you can use a decorative stitch for the top side and invisible thread in the bottom you may have better results. (or decide like I did on a couple of projects that getting the project done was more important than perfection and I just decided to live with the wonky seam on the "back" side. The table runner that I made for the ex son in law's new house (because I knew dgd would want her DaDa to have something special for the holidays) was one of those -- getting it done and sent off was the crucial thing.
Good luck and happy quilting -- Ann (glad to see you around Thanks again for the hospitality last year at HQF)
I am having problems with the back. I have sewing the top and laying the batting down but laying the left hand side down then folding the right side a quater is where i am stuck. i would like to sew by maching but it looks horable.. the seam on the top does not line up to the back for stich in the ditch.. Can you only do this by hand?? Mine looks very bad......