Hi! I am getting ready to quilt my first quilt! I need some recommendations or suggestions. I have the entire thing basted with pins (several hundred of them!) and I plan on doing in-the-ditch quilting. My question is about removing the pins. Do I take those out as I quilt, or leave them in until the end? It didn't occur to me prior to basting, because I put all the pins in the ditch! The quilt is 73" w x 123" l.

Any recommendations or suggestions for making this a positive experience will be totally appreciated!

I never sew over a pin if I can help it, so I'd remove them as I stitched.

[quote=wmudg01]It didn't occur to me prior to basting, because I put all the pins in the ditch! The quilt is 73" w x 123" l. quote]

Well you learned that lesson quick!!! Brings back memories. How exciting that your quilting your first quilt. If you don't remove them as you quilt, you'll be sure to go thru many needles and pins getting stuck on the foot. Been there done that!! Can't wait for the post of when you're ready!! Have fun.

Yeah, I'm learning already! I just wasn't sure if it was OK to remove the pins as I stitch (the books don't really cover all of these topics) :)

I remember pinning my first quilt and not liking the process at all....it never felt like it was done right and when I quilted, I ended up with puckers on the backside....but after several not so nice experiences with pins, I tried spray basting and will never pin another quilt....It is so easy and fast.....there are several great sprays out there, I use June Tailor from Walmart....but must remember to spray lightly, a little goes a long way

A further inquiry.....I had intended on using invisible thread, but I'm not so certain that's needed with in-the-ditch. I have a multitude of different color fabric in the quilt, so I don't even know how to choose what color thread to use.

When quilting in the ditch on a multi-color top, I use a medium gray thread, and whatever color matches the best on the back Seems to work the best for me.

I do the same, enjoy you quilting and show us when your done.

I remove them as I go.

Are you planning on stitching right in the ditch --seam. I usually stitch just to the side of it to help take the stress off the seamline. And it makes a nice topstitching. Also you can use a decorative stitch over the seamline or along side of it. Don't sew over your pins, you could break them and your needle; and throw the timing off of your machine.

Great suggestions!!

All good suggestions here! Just enjoy doing your quilt and post pictures when done!!! Good luck!!

usually we place the pins in areas we do not plan to stitch through= and remove them all at once at the end- but that doesn't mean you can't just take them out as you come to them...just don't run over any of them!

what is this spray, i'm new

Where you have sewn you no longer need the pins to hold the sandwich together. Your quilting serves that purpose.

I press my seams to the side so I prefer to literally stitch in the ditch. I aim to have the quilting stitches totally disappear.
If your seams are pressed open, you should stitch to the side to ensure catching the fabric.

Hi if u r going to sew in the ditch, move the pins outside of the ditch and when you have quilted a good size section, I would remove the pins from that area.
Removing the pins where u have finished quilting. Hope this helps!

You have gotten good advice on the pins. I also stitch in the seam when I stitch in the ditch, but I do press to one side, as someone said.

I wanted to offer a suggestion that I wish I had figured out about a year ago. The quilt gets very heavy as you are quilting. I was continuously fighting gravity until I learned to place my ironing board to the left of my sewing machine, perpendicular to the machine, and let the ironing board support some of the quilt's weight. I do have to be careful not to knock the board over if I pull too hard on my quilt. :) Anyway, it works well for me. I find the quilting very satisfying, and I hope you do too.

So much to think about! OK, I think I have some good pointers, so many things I never thought about. I guess I need to buy some new thread. Thanks! :)

<what is this spray, i'm new> There are several different brands of Quilt Basting Spray. Some seem to have more fumes when spraying than others, but all seem to work equally well for basting a quilt. I gave up pinning my quilts long ago in favor of the spray. Ask at your local quilt shop, and Joanns and Michaels Crafts also sell it. I can't imagine quilting without it. Its a bit pricey but a can lasts a long time and you can use a Joanns coupon at Joanns or Michaels. One thing I learned the hard way... It says in the directions.. but I didn't pay attention when I should have... LOL "Place newspapers on the table around the edges of your quilt so any adhesive does not drift down and make your table sticky." I was in a hurry and then spent twice the time I saved when I had to go back and clean my table using soft scrub! Also since you say you are a newbie I will remind you to be sure to use your walking foot so all the layers pass thru the sewing machine at the same time and avoid puckers. Another tip is before you tackle your big quilt, make a little quilt like maybe 36x36 and practice. It will save you grief later! Ask me how I know! ;o) Good Luck.

So I guess a king size memory quilt was a bit overkill for a first project :)