i always press open. and stitch in the ditch (still afraid of free motion or stippling) with regular thread and stitch size and haven't had a problem... that said i don't have any sage words of wisdom or tips... i'm a rank amateur compared to the combined wisdom around here. good luck..

I can't comment from personal experience, but maybe this will help...I took a pressing class once and the instructor recommended pressing open when possible. She said that in the past there was the concern of bearding (I think that's what it is called when the batting comes through) if you stitch in the ditch and the top has been pressed open, but she said that today's battings are much better quality and this isn't usually an issue anymore.

Sewnice50 it is a matter of preference. It is already done so go with it!!!!!
With the small squares in the ditch a heavy thread would overwhelm and stand out.
Usually when you QITD you want the material, design to stand out instead of the qulting, is this what you are looking for???
I would use a light thread (even an invisible) on the top and the bobbin to match the backing.
Post pics, it sounds beautiful!!!!!
Rosa

speaking as a someone who's machine quilted a LOT, I don't think you need to worry about your quilting. You should be just fine with your usual thread. I press seams open about 50% of the time and it's never been a problem.

Annie

I almost always iron the seams open and it hasn't been a problem, whether I stitch in the ditch or not.

Hey-Let's have a picture of that gorgeous quilt!

I just use common sense when it comes to pressing the seams. If I am working with a light material I press away from it. If the seams are close then I press in alternate directions. Most of the time, I press them open.

You haven't made a mistake. I do it all the time, and even with stitching in the ditch, it works out.

Use just an ordinary-weight thread, or a monofilament polyester. Heavy-duty will stand out too much, and show every wobble in your quilting.

You didn't ruin your quilt:) My first quilt had all the seams pressed open and was stitched in the ditch. To this day it has held up fine.

Foxy.

Thank you all for putting my mind at ease. I now feel like quiting it!! I will post pictures when I am done.
Sue