jstorm67

I loved this tip. I have saved the video so I remember to try it. I have never seen this tip before and can't wait to try it.

JNCT14

Boy oh boy this is GREAT!!! I never thought to use bulldog clips and the folding cardboard mat or for that matter, fiberboard! Guess I am making a trip to Home Depot and Staples this weekend!!! My knees thank you!!

jojo47

I have a Dritz folding table, but it's a little different from those described earlier in this post. Both side drop down when not in use and the center part is only about 6 inches wide, so it's easy to store or wheel to the side of the room. When opened, the legs lock into place and I have a cutting surface (or sandwiching surface) that is approximately 3 feet by 4 feet in size and a little more than 36 inches in height, which is perfect for me since I am vertically challenged. I had purchased my table years ago at JoAnn's Fabrics.

MadP

I use a table and fold the top and batting back and smooth out the back and clamp it. Then I pull down the batting over the backing and smooth that out and clamp then place the top on the batting and clamp and pin away. Maybe some of the others above explained it better.

MargeD

Kudos to those of you who can still get up/move around the floor - if it was me - I'd need a tow truck or the paramedics to get me up again. LOL. Unless I can get to my church and use their large dining tables, I would put the extra leaves into my dining room table, then spread the backing fabric (middle third), tape it with masking tape or painter's tape, then do the same with the batting and the quilt. After pinning that section, I would remove the masking tape, roll up the quilt to the next third of the quilt and begin again. I hope this is somewhat clear. Before we had to move I had a gigantic old dining room table, which was nearly as large as the dining tables at church, so it worked great. I've also taped the first part of the quilt, as much as I could get on the table, then after pinning, I would roll it, then begin the process again. Sandwiching a quilt is my least favorite thing about quilting, but if I want to quilt, it's a small price to pay. You could also call a friend and the two of you would have it pin basted in no time. Good luck.

newbee3

I was shown at a class that you basicly have half of the quilt sandwich hanging over the edge of a table or counter whatever you are using and pin from the center just like always the weight hanging down keeps it smooth no puckers hey it beats the floor and it is pretty simple

misseva

Hey Jan - that's what I do too but you say it so much better. I got my table from Fred's for something like $40 on sale and I didn't have to pay freight. I'm 16 to 14 miles from a Fred's or Walmart. I never did the "on the floor" thing very well, and "on the bed" is too much for my back. Sitting at the table is much better.

shirleyd

I'm at the stage of life where I can do them on the floor but not without getting up and down many times to stretch my back and knees. So I did a couple lap quilts on a queen bed with firm mattress, layering and then reaching under the 3 layers to pin them, starting in the middle and working out. Luckily it seems to work fine. Occasionally I would give the quilt a couple stretches or tugs to be sure the bottom layer was not wrinkled. Sure was easier on my back. It was a bed in guest room so I could leave it for a day or 2. Recently still put a larger quilt on the floor.

ArchaicArcane

I saw the suggestion to watch Patsy Thompson's video, but no link. This is how I do it now. The first time, I did it on the floor and I needed to lay down after I did it because my back was done:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UoUzK19Vww

carolynjo

I use a sheet of plywood about 30 inches wide and 48" long. I sand the edges. Put it on an ironing board, adjusted to your comfortable height. Put the backing on, clip it to the board. Add the batting and smooth it out, and clip to the board. Add the top, smooth it out, and clip. Work on the center section first and baste however you wish. Move to the left and do the same thing. Move to the right and do the same thing until the entire top is basted. You may be able to do this from a bar stool and your back will love you for it.