Originally Posted by paintbug
I have the most trouble when I put the batting, quilt top, and backing together. What is the best way you have found to keep the three pieces together while you stipple quilt it. I have tried saftey pins, basting [which takes forever] and the spray glue. No matter what I try I always have a pucker! HELP
Starch!
I heavily starch my backing fabric with a 1:1 solution of Sta-Flo liquid laundry starch and water. I paint the solution onto the fabric until it is saturated, toss in the dryer, and then iron with steam. All this before I ever layer the quilt sandwich. Starch stabilizes the backing fabric so it doesn't pucker as you machine quilt.
It also helps to starch the top (using spray starch) before layering.
If the quilt is already sandwiched, it even helps to spray starch the backing and top. Just lay it out on a large sheet to catch overspray. Spray the starch on and let it dry several times.
I think you will be amazed at how good this is at preventing puckers.