Originally Posted by
NatalieF
can I high-jack your thread to ask a follow up question? When it comes to spray basting, stretching out the fabric isn't mentioned like it is for pin basting. Doesn't your fabric have to be nice and taut before you baste no matter the method?
You should never stretch the backing fabric, no matter which basting method you use. You want to smooth it out, yes. I like to heavily starch the backing fabric before layering, as it will be nice and smooth after ironing. You can even tape down the edges of the backing, if you like. However, you do not want to stretch the batting and then tape it. When the backing fabric is released from the tape it will spring back to its normal tension. If the quilt has been basted, this will likely cause puckers and/or wrinkles in the back.