frame for sandwiching the layers
 

I'm struggling with a queen size quilt. I can't get it flat enough and get the puckers out as I'm pinning. thinking it might help to get a large quilt frame such as a Hinterburg hand quilting frame that I can load the fabric on, pin it and then take to my domestic machine for quilting. I found a 9 ft frame for sale. Has anyone tried this and it is possible.

You could try using pool noodles to help you. See these two video as examples. There are lots more out there too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0j7u8bGW7A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpmWfZdxGSI

I use this method and have done large quilts with no problems. I do not, however, pin baste so I'm not sure how this would work with pin basting. It seems like it would still keep the quilt flat and easy to work with.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPaIzuoY6Bg

I use my glass topped dining room table. Do the center first, then I move it up or down and pin. I just keep doing it this way until it is all pinned. I use large safety pins. I have done this for many years and many, many quilts.

You could start at one side and work left to right. I always smooth as I go. When changing to another long area. I make sure backing is smooth, then batting and top.

The frame would work.

I pin on my cutting table. I use large binder clips to hold everything tight and in place and move around as necessary. Been doing this for years with no issues. Even over-size king quilts.

There use to be a basting table top frame you could buy. May be still available.


I have a large rectangle dining table, bar stool height. One time I had a bright idea. I put the quilt back on top of it, add weights to the ends of the quilt backing and top. My husband had small round weights with holes in them. I ran fabric though the holes and tied to a binder clip. It worked great but it took took too long for me to thread baste. I like to use spray or powder and I couldn't spray in the dining room or heat the table with an iron. If you have the place for a large table, use weights.

I have seen the very large binder clips and they would probably be good weights. You don't need a heavy weights, just evenly distributed.