Help with fluffy batting
 

I was gifted a roll of thick/fluffy batting and I struggle quilting it with my HQ16. I am a new frame quilter which doesn’t help I’m sure. The main problem is around the edges, getting them even with no puckers. I would like to use this batting for the donation quilts I’m making. Could someone give me some tips on how to quilt using this batting without ruining the quilt? Thanks for any suggestions.
Barb in Kansas

if fluffy batting is used, i find it best to baste the entire quilt.

I have used Therm-o-Web and 504 basting spray to secure quilt edges on my frame. I did it after the quilt was mounted. I was careful to spray just a little at a time towards the center of the quilt to avoid getting overspray on my frame. You could probably also use Elmer's washable school glue along the edges if you are willing to wait to let the glue dry.

Even through I also have an HQ16, I do not quilt it. I usually tie it. Just don't want to deal with all the fluffiness and it looks great tied.

not at all a fan of fluffy poly bat--seems it such hard work not getting puckers. but when I've been stuck with it from a customer (before I decided a no high-loft poly!) I'd baste, baste, baste. Frankly, I'd either use it for tie quilts or donate it on to someone that wanted to tie quilts.

I use a fluffy poly batt and love it. However mine is only 1/2" loft, so it's manageable. I spray baste and then press the batting down flat with my two open hands as I quilt it. That "pressing" keeps the top or bottom fabric from shifting.

If the batting is thicker than 1/2", I'd suggest tying it.

I used a thick poly batt on my of my first fmq projects and it was a nightmare. It didn't help that the backing was flannel. It was for my brother and he loves it but I sure didn't.

Are you basting the sides as you progress down the quilt? I like fluffy batting and haven't had any problems with the edges as I baste the sides as I go.

You could tack the quilt using your machine decorative stitches or zig-zag stitch.

I think tying is the best option. If your donation quilts are going to children, they will love the fluffy, cozy effect that high loft poly batting gives.

When I took my first quilting class, I had been quilting for a long time and pretty much had taught myself. There weren't any quilting classes that I knew of in the mid 70's. So, when I took my first class in the early 80's and the teacher said to bring in batting, I brought in thick poly batting that I had at home. She looked at me and said that it was way too thick for me to use and that I should buy some that they had in the store.

Not having much money, I was determined to use what I had, so I ironed my batting down. I put it between two pieces of fabric and used a little steam when I ironed it and it flattened out enough so that I could finish the class without buying anything more. I must say that when the teacher saw me doing that, her eyes got mighty large. My project came out pretty good, in spite of using the wrong batting.

I finally used up all my poly batting and more than once I had to iron it down to get it flat enough to quilt. After that I used the cotton batting and all was well in the world... The End.