Anybody have tips for basting quilts in small spaces?
 

One of my worst problems with finishing quilts is that I don't have enough floor space anywhere in my house to spread out even a lap-sized quilt. Out of sheer desperation I realized I DID, however, have enough clear WALL space for up to a twin size blanket. So I use painter's tape to tape everything to the wall and pin it that way. It sort of works but I still have some bagginess towards the bottom no matter what I do.

I've tried using our king-size bed but can't figure out a way to strap things down tight enough, plus if I can't get my hand under there I don't know how I'd avoid pinning the quilt to the bed!

I have a king size top made that I really want to quilt, but I'd have to do it on my wall in sections and I'm not sure how well that would work, if it would work at all!

Any advice, tips, techniques are welcome!

Oh crumbs. I meant for this to be in the main section! Sorry - newbie move!

I've found it's easier to pin together, on carpet. If you don't have floor space, see if you can find a piece of carpet (the short, shaggy type - or several large rugs?) and lay it over your bed. The carpet helps keep the quilt from slipping . . . and pins will go through and back out, as long as you don't press too hard.

OOh, that sounds like a great idea! I betcha I can find a remnant somewhere... Thanks Neesie!

Check out Susan Schaumber you tube tutorial on basting quilts - I find this process works very well and all you need
is tabletop, can baste sitting down and goes quite quickly. Good luck!

Thanks thriftyavalon - I'll check it out!

I have a 6 foot folding table that I use because I have rheumatoid arthritis and can't crawl around on the floor anymore. I use binder clips to attach to the table. I also baste in thirds, starting in the center. When that part is done, I move one of the unbasted ends onto the table, baste that, then do the same with the last third. Works well for me.

I use my dining room table but any table - such as a folding table mentioned above - would work.

I bought a sheet of 4x8 plywood maybe 3/8" thick and had them cut it in half at Home Depot so I had two 4x4 pieces. I sanded the rough edges and then covered the pieces on all sides and edges with contact paper, overlapping it to get a good seal. When I need them, I bring them up from the basement and lay them on the table so there is an overhang on all sides of the table.

Then I put the backing down, clipping it to the plywood using extra large binder clips that I bought at Walmart or Staples (cheaper at Walmart) so that it's taut. Layer the batting and top. Then I pin. If too large for the 4x8, I pin the first portion, then unclip and reset the backing, clamp down and pin what's left.

The length of most quilts will fit in the 96" - it's the width that needs to be adjusted.

I can't do it on the floor - too old. :)

It's actually Sharon Schamber. Her method works for any size quilt. I have a pair of 6 foot boards and a pair of 10 foot boards. I found that doll making needles and size 20 crochet thread work really well for her basting method.

You might also be able to pay a local longarmer to do it for you...it's about 25-45 dollars depending on quilt size usually. Might be worth it for people who don't have the space or just don't want to struggle with it....