Lap quilt ... rail fence variation. Top together with few problems. Sandwiching is another thing altogether. Using polyester batting. (saving warm & natural?). Problem: I can't seem to get everything to lie flat and smooth. Have basted with pins about 4 times. Is it the batting? Is there a trick?

Once I thought I had it right and tried machine quilting with stitch in a ditch...made quite a mess...learned to rip out sandwiched quilt. I think I may tie my first project. The machine I'm using is over 45 years old.

I am having fun...just a little frustrated. I'm actually a good sewer.
Reupholstering chairs is sooo much easier.

Any suggestion

I think it looks good as you have it sandwiched. Did you use a walking foot for the stitching? If not, that could be the problem. Also, what about giving basting spray a try?

I tape my backing down to floor or table stretching just slightly then layer my batting on top and tape it to the floor/table then add the top, face up and tape it to the table. Stretch just enough that all layers are smooth. Do not over stretch. Then pin or baste the layers together. Don't give up. Doing this a time or two it becomes easier. I use spray baste and do not pin or baste. You will work out our own method that works best for you.:)

Quilt is so pretty, love the pinks...

I did use a walking foot and it appeared to be working fine...the back was a disaster. I think the problem was really that the back was not as tight as it should have been. Maybe I better practice on pillow tops, etc.

I like your suggestions. Fortunately my table is just big enough to do just that. Can't do floor work easily as I have a new knee and another coming in the fall. DH does have a very large table he is going to make me with two doors....

Thank you!

I pin my backing to the rug tauntly on all sides. then add the batting then place the top on and pin all sides the the rug as well. Last I crawl on half way and pin from the middle down-- go to the other end and do the same. Un pin all the sides and since I do it this way no pleating on the back. Safety pins should be no further apart than a hand span. This works for me. To keep from getting rug burn on my elbows I cut the tall part of DH old socks and pull over my elbows.

My crawling days are probably over...But your technique sounds like it works just fine...Rug burn protection never huts

Hurts not huts