I was taught the same way... start from the inside because it will pucker... I just subscribed, too, and I thank you for the information about this free magazine... I hope it will be a good resource...

I'm sorry I didn't catch that in the article. So glad you did, though. I hope you all enjoy the magazine as much as I did.

Thanks - new ideas always welcomed

"Quilt" is my favorite magazine :thumbup:

Thanks for the link. I read part of the first issue and it's great. Even greater that it is free.

I didn't read it all yet but I did see they are trying to have you buy something... am I reading it wrong?

I saw that too and wondered why you'd ever start on the outside. I can get enough puckers doing it the right way, if I don't watch.

Thanks for the link. I love freebies.

While I've only just signed up, the comments about quilting from the middle, outside in, etc. are most interesting. Let me share what I have discovered only in the last few months (I've been quilting for some time and have tried all methods): MACHINE BASTE that puppy!

It saves my arthritic bod a lot of stress. I start out by folding the backing in half lengthwise and crosswise, then place a safety pin at the middle "point." Open it up and lay it on the table, right side down.

Then, do the same with the batting, i.e., folded twice (length, width), pin center "point" and match to the pin "point" on the backing. Adjust edges so both pieces are lying straight. Remove the safety pin from the batting.

Do the same with the top, marking the center "point" and lay on top of the batting, right side up. Adjust edges and pin every 5-6".

Thread machine with a thread color different than the one you will quilt with. (A good time to get rid of all those short spools, bobbins, etc. in weird colors.) Set top thread tension way low (between 0 and 1) and the length to as long as it will go (mine is a 5). Start in the center and machine stitch from the center to the edge every 3-4" both directions, removing the pins as you go.

You are now ready to machine (or hand) stitch. (Be sure to reset the tension to normal setting.) The quilt will hold without shifting, you can stitch right over it and don't have to worry about running into pins while you're stitching.

When you're through, clip the top thread every 12-18" and pull it out. It comes out very easily (because of the tension setting). The bobbin thread simply lifts off. Doesn't take much time at all and it leaves absolutely no marks or anything to rub, spray or wash out.

I have used this method for three quilts so far and find it most efficient.

No more crawling around on the floor, breathing fumes from the spray, etc.

I love it. I think you will too.

Now, back to the freebies.

From every experienced quilter I know, plus watching my loved ones quilt, all started in the center and worked out to the edges.

Thank you i just signed up