I am determined to learn to hand quilt and I'm trying my very first quilt. I don't have luck with a large hoop because I can't seem to get it propped up right or to fit on my lap. So, I'm not using a hoop. I think it is going okay however, how do I keep the backing tight? I'm going to have to rip out what I've got done because there are huge puckers in the backing and I'm not happy with it. I've got the thimble issue pretty much taken care of and even bought some 'betweens'. Once I get the backing issue figured out, I'll be 'off to the races'! Thanks so much for the help. All ya'll are amazing!

I am thinking that you havenīt basted it. You can baste either with pins, safety pins or thread. Put your quilt on the floor and smooth it out. I always prefer to start at the centre and work out toward a corner. Make it really smooth and keep checking the back that its smooth too.

You should not have the binding on at this point as the quilt will move and it will wrinkle.

Hope that helps.
Elle

There is another topic on this page about others do it. Read Tackling my first quilt top. Different methods could help you.

Elle

Judy, how big is your quilt?
I use %)% basting spray and it works great.
You can tape the bottom of your quilt to the floor, with masking or painters tape works really well. Then spray, then batting on this , making sure it is smooth, and tape it down also, then more spray. Then the top making sure it is also smooth. If it is a big piece, you can then pin it with safety pins. When you start quilting, start in the middle, and if you come up to a
place that is puckering, you can smooth it to the outside. I hope this helps!

All of these answers really helped! I am going to 'unsew' and re-do the sandwich tonight. I know there's not enough pins in it. I was going to use a hoop but just couldn't handle it. Once I get it put together with spray and more pins, I think I can figure out the rest by starting in the middle. Thank you all so much!!! Will post a photo when it's finished!

Now I get it... I hear basting and I'm thinking the 'old fashioned' way of long stitches on a sewing machine. Never thought of the pins being the basting! Thanks! I learn so much here! :o)

quilt size is 50 x 55 (56).

Was your hoop too big for your arm length? Try a smaller hoop, I can't keep it pucker free no matter how many pins unless I hoop.

I haven't figured out how to use a hoop but using the 505 basting spray is as good as it gets. When you start quilting, start in the middle and work your way to the side. Back in the middle to the other side and back to the middle and up and back to the middle and down. You might need to "smooth" the quilt as you go to keep out the puckers on the back. I usually just do this in my lap as I quilt -- never had one get really wonky. Does this help?

It might also help if you start somewhere in the middle, and work your way to the outside edges, so that any possible puckers will be pushed outwards. If you start on the edges, and work into the middle, you could end up with a puffy centre that you can't get to 'sit down' flat.