Here are a tip or two on basting your quilt to prevent puckers. After laying the backing out (omit that basting spray, it just adds to the problems) on a hard surface (kitchen table, floor, even a piece of plywood paneling laid out on a table or bed will work to get you off the floor). Lay out the backing...if on a table, center the backing...clamp (even bag clips will work)..you want the center of the backing perfectly flat. Now lay the batting on, centered (you could use spray baste here...I find it makes it worse in the long run). Now lay the top on, centered of course. Start either pinning with safety pins (yep will take a lot of them), from the center out to each corner (diagonally)..always starting at the center. Now pin from center towards the top and sides..always starting in the center, going out...will resemble a snowflake pattern, lol.This allows you to be smoothing the quilt sandwich from center out in all directions as you baste it. I use a large needle and thread and stitch long stitches from the center out. Once the center section is done...unclamp the backing (if you clamped or taped it)..and shift the quilt over and smooth every layer, especially the backing. baste over all that you can on that side...working in the same direction as above (diagonal basting, then center...and if you feel there is too much space between, add another line of pins or stitching...gently lift the backing...and make sure it's straight. Oh, I use a contrasting thread...makes it easier to remove later). Repeat in all directions. Does take longer...but is well worth not having to redo anything.
Also, if the puckers are few and not large..blindstitch them closed..close to the quilting line...saves having to take all that work out.
Originally Posted by
quiltykim
Hi all, I am in the midst of machine quilting a quilt in a grid fashion with my walking foot and the quilt measures 81 x 81 inches. I have noticed some puckers happening on the back and I am getting very discouraged
I pinned pinned pinned. Will this only get worse the more I quilt? and can I fix the puckers later? Thanks a million....Kim in Madison