Originally Posted by
teddysmom
I'm in the process of sandwiching a Q size quilt (80x103) using a 2x4 table. I laid my backing down, clamped it on all sides and made sure it was taut. I then laid the batting down which was very soft and pliable (not stiff from being in the package) and then the top and pulled it taut and reclamped. I then started pinning. Each churn dash square is 12". Each square is pinned with 9 quilting #3 pens. When I turn the quilt over to look at the back, it's all "puffy". Would it be better to baste each square (from corner to corner and then length and width)? I'm going to hand quilt which I've done several times already but for some reason this one is giving me a "fit". HELP!!!!
I caught one word from your post that may be the clue to your "puffy" problem....TAUT.
When layering your quilt for basting and using clamps, try to avoid pulling the top and backing TAUT, but just smooth and straight enough to allow the fabric to lie flat. When you pull these layers TAUT, the fabric then tries to relax back into its normal tension/shape when you remove the clamps....and that causes the puckering, or "puffy" look on the back.
No matter how you baste, there will be a "bit" of "puffy" or relaxation between the pins, that's the nature of the fabric. As stated by others, it does usually "quilt out".
Jan in VA