Help with problem backing
 

Can any of you talented people tell me what I am doing wrong. I laid my backing fabric on a table, pulled it tighZy, taped and used bulldog clips and it looked good, then I laid on top of the backing the wadding then then quilt top. I then pinned away but, when I took it off table the backing is not nice and tight, it has puckers and I dont know what I did wrong. I don't want tp quilt it with backing in this condition

I would appreciate any help you can give me. I have not had this problem before.

Judith

I think you pulled it too tight. It is only supposed to be laid flat and clipped or taped to the table. If you pull it very tightly, it will automatically return to it's original size, thus puckering the fabric you pinned to it.

I agree. Don't be tempted to pull too tight I'll spring back as soon as you take the tape and clips off. I always lay mine on the floor of the living room, a room we never use, so it can stay there for a few days if need be, and use T-pins to pin it to the carpet and then add the batting and then the top and pin away. The T-pins are easy to pull out, and won't hurt your carpet. The hard part is all the bending and crawling around on the floor. I'm not as young as I used to be. I have to give Alex Anderson credit for this method. I saw it once on Simply Quilts. The video may still be available on HGTV's website.

Wow - sorry it's been so long since anyone has replied...I was told about this method, and haven't had a problem since...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhwNylePFAA

Thank you Becca for the link!

i realize that each person has to figure out what works for them, but i take the time to hand baste, i haven't had my quilts shift or pucker...I just finished a king size quilt back in October - took me almost 5 hours to baste it, but small amount of time when i think about all the hours I put into hand quilting it.

I use the 505 basting spray and have never had any trouble (tried a different basting spray and had some hassles so now I just stick to the 505)
I make sure the back and the top are pressed and starched and I have been basting outside on a table tennis table. I put an old sheet down to catch the overspray and I bulldog clip that to my table but I don't clip my backing to the table.

You have to clip the whole sandwich (backing, batting and top) together, not just
the backing. But first you clip the backing nice and taught but without stretching.
Then you lay the batting, smooth everything down, add the top, smooth everything
down again. Then carefully remove one clip at a time holding the backing with one
hand so it doesn't slip back but don't pull too tight, then clip the three layers together.
I also prefer to thread baste. Takes a while but I think it's worth it. After it's basted
I can fold it and leave it for a while before quilting and it does no harm.

I'm with "woody", I can't seem to get them flat no matter how I try unless I use the 505 basting spray.

thanks for the info for basting spray, never used it and have only heard of it being used through this forum. Will good basting spray and see if I can get it here. I will give that a try.

just remember to adhere to ALL the cautions on the spray basting can....many become highly ill when using it..so KNOW if you can tolerate the chemicals..and make sure the room is VERY well ventilated..not just an open window either..but a VERY open room. NO kids or pets in the house during the spraying or for a few hours after wards!

thanks for your reply and I think that is what I did, pulled it too tight. I will have a look at the video and also try the basting spray. Ah well, looks like I have to unpin and redo, but at least I don't have to undo stitching. Thanks every one for your advice I knew I could count on you all.

Thank you for this tip, will be very careful when using.