I have been trying to quit my grand daughters quilt by hand and fr some reason I am getting alot of puciers. I cant seem to get it drawn tight enough soit wont pucker Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do to make this more pleasant quilting process. I am gettig flustered...thanks to anyone that can help.
Sandy

are you using a hoop?, did you baste it?

I have a hoop yes...and it is all pinned I have tons of pins holding it together..but no I did not baste it I would send it off to get quilted but cant afford that...this is the one I am trying to quilt...there is more pins in it then it shows in this picture
thanks
sandy

did you tape the backing taut before you pinned? Did you check the back - remove pins & smooth out puckers, the re-pin before you began quilting?

I'm been reading about spray basting (haven't tried it myself yet)- maybe you could check that out.

did you start with spreading out the backing smooth --tape down, smooth batting over it...smoothed nice and flat...then top added to the sandwich...pulled nice and taut (but not stretched) then you need pins at least every 4"...such as each time you place your fist on the quilt 4 pins should be close to your hand...top, bottom each side. when put into the hoop make sure it is wrinkle free, smooth- then loosen the hoop so you can quilt. there should not be any....pulling it tight??? don't quite know what you are trying to do there...
any pictures of the quilting problems? we may be able to help further if we see just what the problem is.

i always baste..it doesn't take that long when compared to the time spent quilting. There's a favorite person people like her way - video on Youtube....i'm at work and can't remember her name.. :cry:

This is what I do; undo all that you have done.
Then spray starch the back real good and the
the top also, then tape the backing down on the
floor again, spray with basting spray real good, lay
the batting down, then spray baste on top of it, then
lay the starched top on that. Smooth out as you go
if needed. You will not need any pins at all.
These layers will stay together without pins.
I think you will like this way very much.

Sharon Schamber

Pam M

All that she said above!

Some quilters like sizing instead of starch, other like a new product called Best Press. It come in different scents and an unscented. There is a sample package of several fragrances available. When you find it they generally have sample to spray to see how they smell. Once you find the scent that you like, you can purchase it in the large container and it's best to use a coupon for purchasing.

Pam M

This would be my recommendation also. Good luck!