Originally Posted by Prism99

There is yet another method that I have seen described in one of Debra Wagner's books. Marti Michell has a book out now on this method.

Basically you only split the batting into sections (3).

First step is to layer top, batting and backing as usual. Baste only the middle third, using your method of choice.

Then fold top and backing out of the way so you can cut off a third of the batting. You do this with a rotary cutter with large "S" curves in the cut. (This helps avoid a folding crease in the batting later on.) Use a Sharpie permanent marker to make registration marks along the cuts and label the batting piece top-left or top-right so that later on you can re-assemble the batting exactly as it was originally. Do the same with the other side.

Quilt the middle section, leaving 4 to 6 inches of free space near the batting edge on each side. There will be much less bulk under the arm of the machine. After middle section is finished, re-assemble one side of the batting to the other using the registration marks. You can use a hand tailor-tacking stitch or a wide and long machine zigzag stitch to re-attach the two pieces. Smooth top and backing over, baste, and quilt that side. then do the other side.

An advantage of this method is that nobody knows you quilted the quilt in sections. The batting joins are invisible.