I wonder if someone can help me with a hand quilting project. I want to hand quilt a full size quilt without a frame or hoop. My question is how do you keep the backing from getting out of wack while quilting? I have it basted, but it still moves around.
Thanks, Pam

How closely did you baste the sandwich? I usually do about 4 inches apart in both directions. 'Never moves.

I use Sharon Schambers method of basting and it truly does not move! She does kind of a herringbone stitch and it holds the layers together.

I used medium size safety pins about every 3 - 4 inches each way, in the opposite part of the block from where I was planning to do my quilting...ie at intersection of blocks if quilting through center of block or in center of block if quilting through the intersections. And did not remove the pins until I had quilted both ways (horizontal and vertical or both diagonals) through the block.

Start from the center and work your way outwards. Feel it with your fingers underneath to keep from having puckers.

Ditto, my words exactly. BUT basting is a big part of that.

USE COTTON batting!!! Cotton batting has an affinity for cotton fabrics, helps to hold the layers together Of course, basting is still required. (Can't believe I just used that word "required"!)

Jan in VA

You've got great tips here already! There's not a lot I can add. I pin-baste every 3-4 inches, I use my fist to "measure" between pins.

I DO use a hoop, Its just what I'm used to , I can't do it any other way. Its one of the oval ones with a stand. Sometimes I use the stand, sometimes not.

I have better luck thread basting with that herringbone stitch, large stitches on the front and small ones on the back. When I pin baste, the pins are always in the way in the hoop.

I hand quilt all my quilts and quilt them on a 4'x2' table. I use spray basting and have minimal problems .