So I finished the quilt top. I've only done tops and never made it past finishing the top, so the next steps are all new to me...any tips and suggestions for batting, and backing and making it all work?

Am rather new to this myself so no tips, but wanted to tell you how nice that top looks. Great choice of colors and perfect corners! Way to go!

I love the feel of Hobbs cotton batting, makes a quilt so warm an cozy. And it quilts so nicely. I use high grade muslin for most of my backs, just love the way it hand quilts also.
You have done a fantastic job on ! Love the colors.

You have done a great job on the top!

Your quilt top looks great. I like the colors.

Its a lovely quilt top. Since you havent gotten that far I personally would use: fusible batting for your first go round. It is easy to apply and it REALLY helps you keep the top and the back from shifting. I also pin but not as closely when I use fusible. It is a thin cotton but its a nice light weight quilt and thin is good for the first round. I am NOT an expert quilter by any means but have made about a dozen. I make my own binding (lots of tutorials here and on youtube). I think quilt first bind last is the best way to keep things from going wonky on you. Good luck! Its not that hard and there is something so terrific about holding your first finished by yourself piece. Share it with us when your done.

I have to agree with Elisabrat (cute).
Also look through other tutorials here and see if any of those helps ie: backing, batting, and binding how to's.
Your doing great so far. I love that pattern and your fabric choices. Can't wait to see it done.

Great job on the card trick!

What I do is tape my backing (right side down) to the floor pull it a little tight, but not where it will pull up. I like warm and white or warm and natural. Hobbs is good too.

Then lay your batting down. spray it with 505 or another temp adhesive spray and lay your top down and pin well.

Love your card trick ! Great Job :thumbup:

Nice top! Congratulations on your decision to take it through to completion. Thanks for inspiring me to move forward, too...I love to piece, I've been a topper for a long, long time...'bout time to move on up to "quilter", and this is the year for me too, I hope! Good luck to you!