Long arm basting
 

I recently got a new and larger long arm machine (Nolting)...love it. I have seen a few videos where quilters are basting the top and sides of the quilt before quilting, but also dropping down 12"-15" and doing a basting line across the quilt. Then proceeds to baste the entire quilt (sides and across) before quilting the design. Has anyone else tried this and is it advantageous? Logically it sounds right, but would like opinions before I try it.
Thanks for your input.

I only do the top and then do the sides as i'm going. I have never had an issue. I float all my tops now as well and they are always good

Hi Nonnie60, I baste the top and sides as I proceed down through the sandwich to help keep everything straight and even. I do not baste across the top before quilting unless I am doing a wholecloth quilt. With a wholecloth quilt I seem to be constantly running the quilt back and forth between the rollers, following the marked quilting lines, not wanting to do a lot of stops and starts. The basting keeps the layers in place so they don't bunch up, especially the batting. I have found that I need to remove a few basting stitches just before I get to them when quilting as it makes the basting needle holes close up very nicely. With pantograph designs I only baste along the sides as I go, which helps to keep the top from folding back over itsself.

Here is the method I use, it helps prevent unexpected issues as well.

http://youtu.be/Igl2Zi9kE54

I think the most common method is to baste the top/batting/back, then baste down each side as far as your longarm will go, then quilt that area. After rolling, quilt the sides again. If you use a measuring tape each time, you ensure that the width of the quilt remains the same as you roll.

In my opinion, it is not necessary to do as much basting as described in the original post. Plus, so many lines can alter the design of the quilting. The only way I would do that much basting is if I were using a water soluble thread (such as Superior's Vanish) in top and bobbin.

Basting across definitely has it's advantages. The quilt can't draw up in the middle as you quilt it. I use magnetic bars on the belly bar as I quilt, so it stays straight and I don't need to do quilting across the quilt. You can purchase these for about $5/bar at Harbor Freight. I have three, as I normally do lap quilts. I don't baste the entire quilt, though, as I float my quilts.

I have never basted a quilt, except for a friend to hand quilt. For longarm quilting, I secure the quilt top across the top, then baste the sides as I proceed.

I also have an old Nolting and love it too. I baste the top and sides. I don't do any basting through out the quilt.

When I get to the end of the quilt I baste the bottom edge. For me I feel it stops the quilt from moving around.

I also float small and twin sizes. Sometimes extra care for very special quilts and some times just get it done so not alot of prep. Each quilt gets what it needs.

Enjoy your Machine. You can find LA/ Nolting Forums if you goggle and there are a lot of great tutorials and techniques out there to try.

peace

I do like it. I think it helps anchor the quilt and it makes it easier to trim and bind.

I have heard of longarmers basting quilts for hand quilting. I have not seen anyone baste a quilt that they are going to machine quilt. Occasionally I will SID so I can roll back and forth. Usually I am too impatient for that!

I do baste the sides as I go along and anchor the top of course...