Quiltingboard Forums

Quiltingboard Forums (https://www.quiltingboard.com/)
-   Main (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/)
-   -   What a mess - advice needed (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/what-mess-advice-needed-t202347.html)

gdmoer 10-05-2012 05:04 AM

What a mess - advice needed
 
I just finished piecing together a quilt, 88x98. My loft library floor is completely cleared off, and so I carefully laid down the back, then the batting, then the top. I made sure everything was nice and smooth. I basted it by hand, and hours later, lifted it up, flipped it over............. and the whole back was wrinkled where I had crawled around on it. I am a self taught quilter, and would appreciate any advice/tricks/tools of the trade to help me baste my quilt correctly! Donna

Mom3 10-05-2012 05:08 AM

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

Shari

fien777 10-05-2012 05:11 AM

I deeply agree with Shari, great method!

Raggiemom 10-05-2012 05:14 AM

I lay mine out on a table and pin each section as it's on the table. I've also learned the hard way to peek underneath the quilt every so often to make sure it's not getting wrinkled or folded over.

Tartan 10-05-2012 05:28 AM

When I used to put my back on the floor, I would smooth it out and tape the edges down with masking/ painters tape to the floor. You want it taut but not stretched or the the back will rebound from the stretch when you take it off the floor. I put pins through the tape that is on the fabric edge so it doesn't peel off until I am done. Then I smooth out the batt and top and start to bast. You put a marble under the backing so that you can roll it along as you bast so that you have room to put the pins in or the needle for thread basting.
I use Hobbs 80/20 fusible most of the time now and the sandwich has to be ironed instead of pins. I do this on the old carpet in the basement.

Rose Marie 10-05-2012 05:45 AM

I cant get down on the floor so have to do it in sections on my cutting table.
I clamp the backing around the edges with it as close to centered as I can eyeball.
You can use those large black clips but they are hard to open so I bought the white plastic clips for cutting tables.
Then I lay the batting and top on and clip them. Once it is pined I remove the clips and move the quilt over and reclip for the next section.
This works for me and dont have any folds.
My table is from Joanns and has two leaves that fold down for storage. It was $50 when I bought it years ago. Thay are more expensive now. It is only 36 in wide so do not do bed size quilt they get sent to the long armer.

SusieQuilter 10-05-2012 06:42 AM


Originally Posted by Tartan (Post 5563450)
When I used to put my back on the floor, I would smooth it out and tape the edges down with masking/ painters tape to the floor. You want it taut but not stretched or the the back will rebound from the stretch when you take it off the floor. I put pins through the tape that is on the fabric edge so it doesn't peel off until I am done. Then I smooth out the batt and top and start to bast. You put a marble under the backing so that you can roll it along as you bast so that you have room to put the pins in or the needle for thread basting.
I use Hobbs 80/20 fusible most of the time now and the sandwich has to be ironed instead of pins. I do this on the old carpet in the basement.

I tape the edges too or I have been known to pin it to the carpeting when I have to. That way it doesn't move around on me. I LOVE the idea of putting a marble under it rather than scratching up the floor or actually sewing it to the carpet.

Deborahlees 10-05-2012 07:04 AM

I have said it before and will say it again....I use Elmers School Glue to baste my quilts together works like a charm.
Layer backing, batting and top as usual, but you are only going to be doing doing one side at a time so no wrinkles....
I fold my top back to the center of the top (a row of pins here helps) then thin drizzle of glue maybe 12-18" down. Smooth the top down nice and smooth....flip back to end of glue and drizzle more glue. When finished with one half
of top...do the other half.....then wait maybe an hour to give the glue a chance to set and then flip it over, smooth the back down nicely....flip to center and start all over again....when finished with the back I let it sit for several hours or over night just to make sure everything is dry and set.... I free motion quilt all my quilts on my home machine with no problems, my needle does not get gummy, no 'hard spots'.....and when I am done with my quilt I wash it (I personally love the look of a wrinkled/washed quilt) and all the glue is gone.....
Reminder: make sure you purchase and use only Elmers SCHOOL glue...that states washable.

gdmoer 10-05-2012 07:07 AM

Thank you all for your suggestions! Donna

Neesie 10-05-2012 07:25 AM

I also use Elmer's School Glue but learned "the" way to do it, here on the QB. Lay down batting, first. Then smooth/glue the top (or backing) into place. Flip, repeat. The batting holds its shape and won't shift, like the fabric will, when on the bottom.

irishrose 10-05-2012 07:49 AM

Another Sharon Schambers board fan here except I pin mine. No wrinkles at all. Only note is to pat the batting in place - don't pull it at all.

NJ Quilter 10-05-2012 08:12 AM


Originally Posted by Rose Marie (Post 5563478)
I cant get down on the floor so have to do it in sections on my cutting table.
I clamp the backing around the edges with it as close to centered as I can eyeball.
You can use those large black clips but they are hard to open so I bought the white plastic clips for cutting tables.
Then I lay the batting and top on and clip them. Once it is pined I remove the clips and move the quilt over and reclip for the next section.
This works for me and dont have any folds.
My table is from Joanns and has two leaves that fold down for storage. It was $50 when I bought it years ago. Thay are more expensive now. It is only 36 in wide so do not do bed size quilt they get sent to the long armer.

This is what I do as well...EXCEPT, I also do bed quilts on this table. Once I get the center section pinned (or thread basted), I then shift everything, reclamp each layer, pin and continue to do this until the entire quilt is completely pinned. I have done king size quilts on this table.

Tropical 10-05-2012 08:33 AM

I tried this method a few times, but it did not work for me. My DH bought the boards for me and cut them to size. I used two 4x72 inch tables put together that are raised to the correct height for me. I was very careful throughout the entire process watching the video as I went along. I checked the back often and made corrections yet still had wrinkles on the back when I finished. After it happened for the third or fourth time, I quit. I now make baby quilts with the Missouri Star Quilt Company's strip method. After watching Jenny demonstrate it a few times, I gave it a try with good results. I even make the strips by combining separate blocks in varying styles. She does say that it might not be the right choice for a larger quilt. I hope I can find a method for larger quilts that works for me so I can finish my adult size quilt tops. Good luck with your basting. :):):)

Taino Jan 10-05-2012 08:34 AM

Listen to all the advice to use Sharon Schambergs method. I use basting spray and do it in sections. Hope this helps.

Prism99 10-05-2012 08:44 AM

I tried a variety of methods before finding basting spray. Basting spray is all I use anymore. Aside from being much faster, it allows me to "correct" any wrinkles. The problem you encountered when turning over your quilt would have been easily correctable with basting spray.

AliKat 10-05-2012 01:16 PM

When I first started quilting I had a large frame for hand quilting loaned to me. When we moved I used the floor. That isn't a real option anymore, though.

I had some folding Lifetime tables I used to use. They are too heavy for me now. So I go to my LQS and ask to use their tables when they don't have any classes. I have also used the large tables where I was going for a quilting group.

Lots of options out there. You just have to be creative.

ali

Vat 10-06-2012 04:09 AM

I would starch the back the lay it out and tape it to the floor. The starch will make it a little harder to baste because of the stiffness but use a really large or crooked needle.

carolynjo 10-06-2012 05:46 AM

You can also purchase a long PVC pipe, cut into equal sections and drill a hole at your preferred height and put a long stove bolt through the pipe and secure with a nut. Get someone to help you to raise your table and drop the legs down into the pipe. Voila! just the height you need to save your back. Center the quilt on the table, clamp, and baste, using your method of choice. It won't take more than a half hour to measure, cut, and drill the holes in the pipe and fasten the stove bolts (or carriage bolts) through the holes. We liked them so much that at church, we leave them in the tables so the seniors can get to the pot luck dishes easier. Hope this works for you.

ShirlinAZ 10-06-2012 06:13 AM

I baste mine on folding resin tables bought at Lowes. I have 3 tables DH bought for my Christmas village display, so the rest of the year they are used for pin basting quilts. I lay the backing out smooth and taught and clamp with picnic tablecloth clamps, spread the batting out and smooth it, then the top. I don't clamp every layer; with cotton batting the layers stay together nicely. I pin what I can reach on the table, remove the clamps and position, smooth, and pin the next section. I've tried several ways, but this works the best for me.

petpainter 10-06-2012 06:36 AM

I use Patsy Thompson's spray basting method with a couple pins, and I like it. I do have "Cheryl"s foldable design wall that will accommodate any size. Works great for me. I like Sharon S. method for smaller quilts, but now use the spray glue for
everything- it is more forgiving like Prism99 said.

dredick 10-06-2012 06:45 AM

I am a longarm quilter and offered a basting service for my clients. I used to baste a queen quilt for 35.00.
Perhaps, you could ask your local longarm quilter if they offer such a service.
Otherwise, I used to tape/pin my backings to the floor to assure that the backing was taunt enough.
Hope this helps.

MimiBug123 10-06-2012 08:09 AM

I use basting spray only now. I didn't think I would like running "glue" through my machine, but it's works great and I've never had any residue left. Just fold your quilt in quarters and do it one section at a time.

karate lady 10-06-2012 08:53 AM

Neesie, your way sounds like what i could do. The other ways all sound harder. sinceit is glued it makes sense lyou could just flip and do other side. Thanks may try that next time. If it doesn't work I can just wash gently and the glue goes away. cool......

Hylarie 10-06-2012 09:30 AM

I tape the backing down on the floor then I layer and baste. Not always the most convenient because your on the floor for awhile and in my case I take up the whole kitchen floor so DH has no kitchen access while I am at it. :) But based on the layout of the house etc. it's the best i can do for now.

Halo 10-06-2012 09:38 AM

I , too, use only the basting spray. It is wonderful stuff & if by chance get a wrinkle in the backing, you can fix it with no problem. With the basting spray, no pins are needed. I do tape my backing to the floor, or a wall would work also, spray it in half sections lay down the batting & smooth out. Then spray the batting & lay down the top & smooth out. It all stays together with not pinning.

Friday1961 10-06-2012 12:27 PM


Originally Posted by Tartan (Post 5563450)
When I used to put my back on the floor, I would smooth it out and tape the edges down with masking/ painters tape to the floor. You want it taut but not stretched or the the back will rebound from the stretch when you take it off the floor. I put pins through the tape that is on the fabric edge so it doesn't peel off until I am done. Then I smooth out the batt and top and start to bast. You put a marble under the backing so that you can roll it along as you bast so that you have room to put the pins in or the needle for thread basting.
I use Hobbs 80/20 fusible most of the time now and the sandwich has to be ironed instead of pins. I do this on the old carpet in the basement.

What a great idea the marble is! I'd never heard of this before. I pin and/or baste on a table but the idea still works. Glad to know this. Thanks!

leighway 10-06-2012 02:41 PM


Originally Posted by Prism99 (Post 5563893)
I tried a variety of methods before finding basting spray. Basting spray is all I use anymore. Aside from being much faster, it allows me to "correct" any wrinkles. The problem you encountered when turning over your quilt would have been easily correctable with basting spray.

Me too only after I spray baste, I use Pinmoors to anchor sections...life is actually wonderful since I began basting this way. Before...ugh...I loathed basting.

117becca 10-07-2012 01:39 AM

I do the same thing as the you-tube video. I can do it pretty quick now..

sept97 10-07-2012 04:05 AM

spray baste, it's the easiest way. all 3 layers stay together and no shifting

stchenfool 10-07-2012 04:24 AM


Originally Posted by Deborahlees (Post 5563647)
I have said it before and will say it again....I use Elmers School Glue to baste my quilts together works like a charm.
Layer backing, batting and top as usual, but you are only going to be doing doing one side at a time so no wrinkles....
I fold my top back to the center of the top (a row of pins here helps) then thin drizzle of glue maybe 12-18" down. Smooth the top down nice and smooth....flip back to end of glue and drizzle more glue. When finished with one half
of top...do the other half.....then wait maybe an hour to give the glue a chance to set and then flip it over, smooth the back down nicely....flip to center and start all over again....when finished with the back I let it sit for several hours or over night just to make sure everything is dry and set.... I free motion quilt all my quilts on my home machine with no problems, my needle does not get gummy, no 'hard spots'.....and when I am done with my quilt I wash it (I personally love the look of a wrinkled/washed quilt) and all the glue is gone.....
Reminder: make sure you purchase and use only Elmers SCHOOL glue...that states washable.

I use Sulky spray in the same manner. You can reposition as needed, smooth & recheck. love it

Nona 10-07-2012 05:48 AM

start by taking the basting out. Make sure the back is starched and ironed flat. Be sure to tape the back down to the floor with masking tape or painters tape (right side down).
Put your batting down next (I usually tack the corners down with tape to keep it from moving.) Put the top down (right side up). I usually pin rather than baste. I use my long ruler to work out any kinks in the top to keep it smooth. I have become a fan of spray glue to sandwich my quilts with a few pins to keep it held together solidly. Given all that you have alredy done flip the quilt over, take out only the biggest wrinkles by taking out the basting from these areas and see if you can work them out using a yard stick or you long ruler to move the wrinkles out. Start at the center and work to the outside. Good Luck and let us know how it goes.

Scakes 10-07-2012 07:10 AM


Originally Posted by Tartan (Post 5563450)
When I used to put my back on the floor, I would smooth it out and tape the edges down with masking/ painters tape to the floor. You want it taut but not stretched or the the back will rebound from the stretch when you take it off the floor. I put pins through the tape that is on the fabric edge so it doesn't peel off until I am done. Then I smooth out the batt and top and start to bast. You put a marble under the backing so that you can roll it along as you bast so that you have room to put the pins in or the needle for thread basting.
I use Hobbs 80/20 fusible most of the time now and the sandwich has to be ironed instead of pins. I do this on the old carpet in the basement.

I've never heard about using the marble under the quilt layers. I'll have to try that.

sweetlummi 10-07-2012 12:38 PM

Mom 3 thank you so. I also am a self taught have done 2 my first one was a me. This last one I made for me daughter just turned 35 took me a week to get that part done now I have a lot of wood think this look a lot better then try my table. I have the same one going for my son I think this will help me get it done in time , That is if my part get here in time.

margecam52 10-07-2012 02:23 PM

Tape the backing down to the floor or carpet, keeping it square...then lay the batting and top down. The method Sharon Schamber uses works also.



Originally Posted by gdmoer (Post 5563402)
I just finished piecing together a quilt, 88x98. My loft library floor is completely cleared off, and so I carefully laid down the back, then the batting, then the top. I made sure everything was nice and smooth. I basted it by hand, and hours later, lifted it up, flipped it over............. and the whole back was wrinkled where I had crawled around on it. I am a self taught quilter, and would appreciate any advice/tricks/tools of the trade to help me baste my quilt correctly! Donna


brendapm 10-07-2012 04:13 PM

I can't get down on the floor anymore. Just moved and have a 7.5 x 3' kitchen countertop. Just did my first quilt on it. (Top measured 69x 84" ) It worked well, so I hope this was not dumb luck. I bought basting clips that fit on the counter. Laid the batting on the counter, clipped one side. Put the backing down, clipped opposite side. (Measured both as I went to have both sides that were hanging down even on sides and bottom.) Unclipped 2 clips on one side and spray based and smoothed, repeated at other end of that side.) Then I moved the quilt, reclipped, keeping the already sprayed part fan folded on the counter and did one side, put that side down, reclamped and worked on the other side. Then I carefully flipped the quilt made sure everything was smooth and did the same thing with the quilt top. So basically I did it in sixths, not quarters. This was also the first time I had used spray basting. I was wary, so also used quilting pins and pinmoors, but not nearly as many as I would normally use.) This saved my back (easier than a table, forget the floor) and my knees and worked really well for me. I am now machine quilting the quilt on my DSW. Also a first, I am usually a hand quilter. I was brave enough to do all these firsts, because I really did not like the top. A friend, who is also a quilte,r encouraged me to finish it; so I decided, I don't think I can like this quilt any less, so let's learn something. Best quilting decision I ever made. I have learned so much.

penski 10-07-2012 08:41 PM

i always tape my backing down to the floor spray it with 505 spray then lay the batting on that spray it and put the top on after that make sure everything is flat then i start working on the quilt

PS Stitcher 10-08-2012 06:26 AM

Thanks for sharing that. I have never seen it before.


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 12:33 AM.