I did this once for a large quilt. There is a lot of excess when the top is smooth for machine quilting, it has to go somewhere. I gave up trying to quilt it and tied it. Do not stretch smooth to tie or you will have the excess to deal with. I tied the quilt 12 inches apart, then went and tied every 6 then every 3. I used knots for tying no loose ends. The quilt is still being used and is a favorite. It drapes like a blanket. I'm tying one for my daughter now.