no does not gunk up my needles, i like to spray and pin. but i learned it's so much easier to quilt down if when pinning down use your fist to measure ,as far as how many pins you put down the more pins the better. i usually get my kids to take the pins out i hate to do that . i let them earn a little money that way.

I get puckers on the top. I pin every 4 inches and use spray. I lay it on the carpet and work from the middle out. When I quilt I move my sewing machine to the island in the kitchen so I can stand and move the quilt around easily. I start with a line down the middle and through the sides, making it in quarters, then work 1 quarter at a time, working inner to outer corners. The foot pedal works great this way too. But, I still get puckers- on the top. Bottom is fine! Any ideas?

Barb

I use the warm and natural batting. I tape the backing tightly to a large group of tables at our church, spread on the batting and then place the top on. I usually pin it, but do not close the pins......after the whole quilt is pinned, I untape it and flip it over so the backing is up...Gently, run your hands from the center out and see if it is smooth at each pinned point. If not, remove the pin from the front side and smooth the backing and repin. It seems like a lot of work, but I've have great luck with it so I don't have tucks in the back. Ruthie

Hi Barb,
Are you using a walking foot for the center lines? If not, your fabric might be shifting a bit. If you are, the top might not be as taut as it should be. When you are creating the sandwich you might want to anchor the top in the same manner as the backing to insure it is not becoming loose when pinning. Ruthie Mann posted a great suggestion on how she checks her backing fabric which might work on your quilt top. (I'd be very careful of those pins though) One other thing. When you are quilting on the kitchen island, do you have the quilt supported enough to prevent it from pulling or dragging? (This can cause top puckers and numerous other problems)

I hope this helps... Please keep us posted. :D

On basting spray, I was wondering which brand is preferred? Thanks. I have used some, sulky brand which seemed to work well. I know there is Sullivan also. What is your experience?

Hi Barb,
What brand of spray do you use? Sounds like what I need to get.

Sullivans, June Taylor, & 505 are all very effective. For people with breathing problems the 505 might be a better choice, but all have fumes to contend with, so proper ventilation is a must (even if it is an open window or large room). There is no need to over do it on the spray; I have found a finer mist works better than major spraying, which will also reduce the fumes.

As with any adhesive, if you use too much you will eventually have to deal with stuff on your needle. The great thing about the quilt sprays is they are water soluable and if this is a problem, you can usually wipe your needles off and keep sewing.

There are many spray adhesives on the market, but I can not comment on them being as I have never used them on quilts. (I am uncertain of their chemical composition and solubility, so I am not taking any chances when I know the quilts I make will most likely be against someone's skin.)

505 is very strong as far as adhesiveability and it is very expensive. It is a wonderful product though. Sullivans basting spray is lighter but works well I understand. Its probably more reasonable also. Sprayed lightly it should last a good while. Just be careful what you pick up. I thought I was getting Sullivans basting spray, on sale, but it wound up being fabric stabilizer, which is more like starch I believe. Is that correct?

walking foot- hmmm- must get one right away. I have the stools to support the quilt, also grab unsuspecting persons walking by and make them help. I am lucky as they like to watch and will hold the "bulk" for a while as we converse.

I have 2 tops ready to quilt- both lap size. Am holding off as I don't want puckers. I also have a double bed size that I was going to try "quilt as you go", 2 rows at a time. Will this help my problem?

Thanks for all your help!

Gotta have a walking foot if you're machine quilting no doubt about it for the straight stiching of course like stitch in the ditch. I even used my walking foot for some decorative stitching while machine quilting. I did that on my son's pine needles block borders. Guess I'm a little unconventional.