Thread: Splitting batting into thirds for easier quilting?

I would like to quilt my giant king in horizontal straight rows but don't feel it will be easily done on my 9" harp machine. I thought about cutting the batting into thirds across the width of the batting and sandwiching/basting that middle section first. then using fusible batting tape to join the top third and bottom third? That way I'd not have as much bulk under the harp when working that middle section while trying to sew straight lines across the width of the quilt. Does this seem feasible? And if so, any precautions/tips for me?

I would glue that middle section with Washable School Glue, then quilt it making sure the "loose ends" don't get under the needle. (Been there, done that.) Then add section 2, glue and quilt that. And on to section 3. That way you will only have to deal with the full bulk of the quilt for 1/3 of the time.

Yes, this will work. It's a common QAYG technique. YOu can use the fusible tape, whip stitch, or zigzag the batting together. You can also leave the backing on one piece, or also divide it into thirds, seaming as you go. If you don't divide the backing, just make sure you don't catch it in the area you are quilting. Ask me how I know!

Marti Michell's book, Machine Quilting in Sections, explains how to do this, as well as various other ways to split your quilt into sections for quilting. She goes through each method and why it would work well on certain types of quilts. I quilted in sections before I bought my longarm, and I highly recommend her book.

Thanks everyone! does the fusible batting tape work well to keep things in place through washings and wear? do you use it on front and back or just front?

Trying to keep the backing from getting caught in the stitching would be hard for me. If I were to try this I would have to think very hard about it.
Good luck and I hope it works for you.