Centering a pieced backing
#1
Centering a pieced backing
I'm not good at sandwiching quilts at the best of times, so it was probably rash of me to decide on a pieced backing that needs to be centered 🙂 I'd be grateful for any tips on how to do it. I'll be laying the quilt out on the floor.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 594
I think I would mark with safety pins on the right side of the backing and on the pieced top where the center is, and maybe with a little snip, safety pin or stitch where the centers of each side of the top and backing are. That way when you lay it out, you can keep track of where the backing is in relation to the front.
#3
That's a good idea. I've just found an online tutorial along the same lines, marking the centres of top, bottom and sides of each layer so they can be lined up, though she used a chalk marker.
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Nebraska
Posts: 3,255
I fold each piece of the "sandwich" in half the long way and mark the centers with a pin, then fold them in half the other direction and mark centers with a pin. As I smooth out each layer I center them on the pins. This is the process I use whether the backing is pieced or not. This way I know I won't end up with one side being too short or something. If I were to do sandwiching on the floor, I would stabilize each layer with painter's tape as I smoothed it out. I do have a table that works for me, but I still use the tape on the backing until I get it pinned. Good luck with your pieced backing, it should work for you!
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 317
You can make crossed center lines on your floor with toothpicks taped down with painter's tape! I read about doing this on a table, and it really helped me line up a pieced quilt back I made one time. I had cut 10" squares from shirtings and scraps from the front. It was a pain, but DH still flips our bed quilt to that side when he makes it up.
#8
#9
You can make crossed center lines on your floor with toothpicks taped down with painter's tape! I read about doing this on a table, and it really helped me line up a pieced quilt back I made one time. I had cut 10" squares from shirtings and scraps from the front. It was a pain, but DH still flips our bed quilt to that side when he makes it up.
#10
Thanks for such a clear description. One silly question - when do you take the pins out? I tried this once and couldn't get at the pin in the batting to remove it ☹️Obviously should have done it sooner!
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