I basted my project last night. This is the project that I had so much trouble with getting the pattern enlarged and printed. Everything went wrong with it for a while. I've learned so much on this project. It's a wall hanging and not large, but it is my largest project so far. Even though everything went wrong, I fixed it, and it is looking good! (If I do say so myself!--Pictures promised soon! I was having issues with my computer not wanting to accept my pictures).

Now, I need help with basting. When I basted it, I guess I did it upsidedown. I put the quilt top face down on the bottom and the backing on top. I really don't know why. We'll blame it on tiredness. Anyway, I basted pretty well (well as in that it holds together well and I basted fairly close together), but I have some puckers. Most are toward the outside. Should I re-baste this thing or just work the puckers out as I quilt from the center?

I just basted using thread. No sprays involved.

Thanks in advance for your help.

As much time as you have in this project, I'd say a little more time to rebaste will be worth it. It would be a shame to end up with quilted puckers after the effort to make it right.

I agree with BellaBoo. Take the time to do it right. You won't be sorry you did. Can't wait to see it when you are done. I'm sure it will be awesome.

I agree. If the puckers were on the back, I would say just work them out. But since they are on the top, I wouldn't risk it. Better to do it over.

Good luck, and be sure and post a finished photo!

Looks like I'll be re-basting. :)
I knew that was the right thing to do. Are there any secrets you use that I should know?

Re basting is a good step. Take your time and do a good job on this.

I agree with everyone - - re-baste!

Can anyone give me a few details on how "you" baste your quilts? Some use safety pins, while some don't. Some use regular pins, some don't. Some baste with thread...some use the basting sprays.
Do you use starch? Where do you do your basting (floor, kitchen table, etc.)
ania755 posted this link to a video in another thread (the other thread: http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/26522.page ) about basting:
http://sharonschambernetwork.com/fre...ing/index.html
I've found that to be helpful, well, it's informative. It hasn't "helped" me yet because I haven't tried it. Has anyone ever used this method? Does everyone really baste that close together. I had in my head that it was good to baste 5 inches apart. I did baste mine closer than 5 inches, though.

I may find time to re-baste and possibly quilt this project this weekend. I'm hopeful.

Nice video. It looks like a lot of work but it may be worth it to get a quilt back nice and smooth.

Buttercream,
I baste with curved safety pins. I first place my backing down and tape, making sure to smooth(pull) out all the wrinkle, next batting, then the top. I use alot of pins, alittle of pain putting in and taking out, but so far no puckers and I have done some large quilts. Good luck on your next attempt. I am sure you are going to love the results.

I have only used safety pins. Too lazy for basting.

I've done my basting a few different ways. I started out using safety pins, but I don't always know how I'm going to quilt my project when I'm basting, and don't want to have to move the pins once I start, so I don't use them much anymore. If I was more of a planner, I probably would still use them.
Then, I HAVE used Sharon Shamber's method with the long boards, but for some reason, I had some difficulty with getting the pieced top to be even on the board. My backing would go on smoothly, but the top would be temperamental.
Where I've landed lately is to use the big black office binder clips to clip my backing to my table starting in the middle of my quilt. Then smooth on my batting and clip it, and then my top. I start basting with a light crochet thread (that comes on the big spool), using a long dollmaking needle. Works like a charm, and I don't have to have a huge, huge table to make it work.

If it is a small wall quilt have you thought of temporary basting spray?

I tape the back down to the floor or on a table with masking tape so that it is taut (don't stretch it). Spray with basting spray. Then I smooth the batting down on top of that. I would then spray the basting spray on the batting, center the top on it and start smoothing it out. You can then pin it, sew baste it, or just go start sewing.

I used pins for a long time and then tried basting spray. I'll never go back. The basting spray just works so much better for me. Oh, and I would baste it over again so it's better. It will be easier to work with rather than trying to fix as you go.

I used Sharon's method of using trim boards a couple of times, on two of the grandkids quilts. It works, my backs were totally smooth, which was a major issue I had. It does seem to take forever to baste them though.

Now, since DH made me the quilting frame, I only pin across the top while on the floor, then finish pinning up on the table, and it's good to go. So far all my backs have been totally smooth. The frame holds them snug.

I'm still waiting for someone to develope a way for me to just blink and they'll all be quilted.....
:-)

Thanks for all the responses and tips. I haven't had time to work on it...yet. I may try the basting spray. I have a can of it I bought a long time ago.

I love spray, 505 is great, and on small wall hangings, you don't even need any pins. I have used it on about 30 projects.

Do you pull your crochet thread out as you quilt or do you wait until you are all done and then pull it all out? Thanks. I like the idea of the large paper clips.