Old 08-30-2007, 06:54 PM
  #11  
Boo
Senior Member
 
Boo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Michigan
Posts: 484
Default

The long arm system depends on rolling the back and top seperately, with the batting floating between the two. Obviously, if they are stuck together or sprayed with a temp. adhesive, this would not be possible.

When quilting on my home sewing machine, I prepare my quilt sandwich by first clamping the backing with a slight amount of tension, to my cutting table. Usually, the back is wider than my cutting table, so I start in the middle by centering the fabric. After spraying the center of the back, I then center the relaxed batting gently spreading it out flat. I spray again and repeat with the quilt top. At this point, I will remove the binder clamps and move the entire sandwich to one side, where the basted side is clamped and then only the backing part clamped on the open side. Again with slight tension. This does not mean pulling, as when the quilt is unclamped it will attempt to return to original relaxed state. This will create distortion, and trust me you don't want distortion in a basted quilt. I repeat the process for the other unfinished side as well as the ends that were not covered on the first process.

When hand quilting, I use a thread baste method, because I do not use a hoop or frame. This method allows better control of the layers thru' all the manipulation required with this hand quilt process.

I share this information as lessons learned through trial and error. They are not meant as rules, as my experience has taught me that in quilting there really are no rules. What works for some doesn't work for others. I was sure I would never be able to hand quilt because I just couldn't get working on a frame or hoop. Out of desperation I took a class in hand quilting in hopes of discovering why I found it so darn hard! You can imagine my surprise at finding the quilting teacher teach without a hoop! For me it was an epiphany. Purely by accident, I found what works for me. Bottom line, try the methods recommended by lots of quilters, until you find what gives YOU the most success. Enjoy yourself, and fondle fabric every chance you get. :D
Boo is offline