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Quote:

Originally Posted by EdieClay

This is a great tute. Very helpful. Now, since I am new at quilting my own quilt, once you get the quilt basted, you take it off the boards, right? and how do you handle it to quilt it on your machine? Also, you quilt from the middle out to the edges, don't you? Thanks!

That's right, when you baste your quilt is unwrapped from the boards as you go. Once it's totally basted, it's not on the boards anymore. Leah Day has a good video on how to handle a big quilt while you free-motion quilt it on your machine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gc2Y14B-vwk
I do usually start quilting from near the middle. If I'm doing some stitch-in-the-ditch (SITD) combined with free-motion, I'll do all of the SITD first and then go back and do the free-motion designs. I don't think there's really a right or wrong way to do it, that's just how I prefer to handle it.

Thank you! Thank you! I knew there had to be a way to put it all together with out a quilt frame. Love your Idea!!!
Thank you for sharing.

Thanks so much for all the detailed steps on basting a quilt sandwich. Soooo glad I found your posting. Tonight I finished piecing a Batik top (65" x 84") which is the largest I've ever done and had no idea of what to do next.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!

Once I learn your technique I wont be limited to making baby quilts and placemates.

Wendy, Love your Scarlet Fiesta!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by azwendyg

Quote:

Originally Posted by auntlucy

Any particular reason that you use mdf boards rather than wood boards? Is each board 8 plus feet long? Thanks for the great pictures and instructions.

I bought the mdf boards because they were much less expensive and much straighter than solid wood that I could find, and won't warp over time. In order for me to keep everything straight when rolling the top and backing on the boards, I figured I'd need perfectly straight boards to start with. It seems like 4" - 6" strips of 5/8 or 3/4 plywood would also work well if you happen to have that on hand. The flannel covering is stapled on and works a lot like a design board in that the fabric kind of naturally adheres to it when you smooth it onto the flannel; no need for any pins to hold your quilt fabric on the boards.

The boards I used here are 8 feet long, but I have a shorter, 5 foot, set that fits on my cutting table for smaller quilts. It works best to use boards that are just a little longer than your quilt is wide.

Hope this answers your questions...

I love your flannel covered boards... clever idea and really handy, I'll bet!

This is a lot like Sharon Schaumber's instructions - it works, cause I tried it on a huge quilt for my daughter

Quote:

Originally Posted by many craft person

This is a lot like Sharon Schaumber's instructions - it works, cause I tried it on a huge quilt for my daughter

Yep, sure is. That's where I learned it! :thumbup:

This was so helpful - thanks so much for taking the time to show us!

Your quilt is beautiful. Thanks for taking the time to show a "Newbie" how to properly baste a quilt. No wonder I've been having problems! With your directions and photos, I see success in my future! Thanks ever so much!

Warmest Regards,

My ignorance: I had to find a definition for MDF: It means Medium Density Fiberboard
from Home Depot: "Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF)
MDF is made by breaking softwoods down into individual fibers, which are then glued and pressed together. MDF is denser than particle board and has a smooth finish that takes paint very well, making it a great choice for interior projects. MDF can also be used for built-ins, cabinets, raised panels, or simple furniture."