Thread: 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

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

Shari

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.

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.

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.

Originally Posted by Tartan

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.

Originally Posted by Tartan

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!

Originally Posted by Tartan

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.