Basting with pool noodles..
 

Ok, I tryed this and failed miserably! Pin basted ...4 times!!...then went back to my old big table method.
Looks easy ,so what did I do wrong? I'd love to do this!

What specifically was the issue? top not smooth? bottom had folds?????

Mostly the bottom was really bad, and I tried very hard to smooth it out! tried harder with each time!! Got a little better, but no luck. I was using 100% natural cotton batting, and thought that may be some of the problem?? Any suggestions?, I'd like to try it again. Vide
os look easy!!!

I used hardwood floor boards (1 x 3" x 8'). The strength and hardness helps me get a tight, taunt, turn on the fabric. I also get a helper to tightly wind the fabric on the boards. It is easier to smooth the fabric as I baste. Another tip: don't unwind too much as you baste, 12-18" is plenty. Keep the rest of the fabric wound on the boards.

Maybe if you put some pins at beginning before you start rolling the backing
it will prevent shifting.

Did you stabilize the pool noodles by running dowels through the center? If I were to try this, I think stabilizing the noodles would be key. Seems to me that flat wooden boards, similar to what Sharon Schambers uses in her Youtube video, would actually be easier.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhwNylePFAA

I did not have too much luck with getting them rolled tight enough and all three layers even. I think it takes two people.

I use the boards and find that works best for me

I always thought using pool noodles would be challenging, since they're squishy and bendy. I prefer to use them to sword fight with my teen boys. :D

I too had a really hard time with the pool noodles, then I saw this video other day here on the forum, and think it may solve my problem. I was too dense to realize that I needed to pin the fabric to the noodle to get it tight. I haven't tried it yet but I have 3 noodles and also have 2 pieces of 3/4" PVC pipe left over from a chicken project. The PVC fits exactly into the holes in the pool noodles and makes them much sturdier. ie: no bending. The 10ft long piece of PVC at my local Lowes was about 3.00! I think even cheaper than wooden dowels.
Anyway, here is the link to the discussion here on the forum and the link to the youtube video is in message #20 on how to baste the easy way. In the video she uses pipe insulation and PVC. I just plan to use what I already have. Hope this helps


https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/need-ingenious-idea-sandwich-quilt-t296911.html