Sometimes in spite of layering, pinning and starching some quilts do not want to lie completely flat. I've come to the conclusion that it is a number of factors. Your choice of batting definitely plays a huge role. Polyester bats will not lay as flat as a 80/20 or W&N. High humidity also affects the fabric and some cottons just like to wrinkle and stretch more than others. If you haven't pressed well or try to hurry with your pinning, it may also affect the outcome. Some of my quilts are definitely flatter and smoother than others but I've never had a new quilt owner yet complain that their new quilt is not as flat and wrinkle free as the ones in the juried show. Do your best to control the variables and quilt on!

Utilizing a walking foot is not ideal when quilting. There are specific feet to use and each machine brand designates their own. If you must, you can quilt without any foot and slow down; fast speed, slow hands. Hope this helps. GiGi

Would someone explain Sharon Schamber's use of "the boards? Or does she have a website I could go to and see?

See the articles about Elmer's School Glue. It will save you lots of frustration!

I never thought of starching my backing fabric. I just started heavy starching my fabrics before I cut to make the quilt, but never thought of the backing. Learned something new today. Thanks. I prefer Elmers or any kind of washable school glue verses pins. It has made a difference to me.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE!! Happens to me to sometimes too. I just take out what I need to to smooth it out - and on the next one make sure I take my time and tape the backing down and pin it good.

I use Elmer's Washable school glue. I'll never go back to thread or pin basting any quilt that doesn't go to a longarmer.

I use pins, straight pins with foam on the ends, the boards and thread basting, spray basting and fusible batting and I have ended up with little tucks with any method. I think it's just me. The fusible batting i used on a purse and it took forever- can't imagine how long it would take to fuse a whole quilt! I will try the glue method next and see how well I do with that. I will also try starching more too, because that does help, i didnt do it enough! One thing I do know- little tucks become virtually invisible after washing.

This is where I jump in and give a shout out for Elmers!! Way cheaper, no overspray, easily washes out, holds sandwich firmly.

BertieD, the best place to see Sharon's method is on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhwNylePFAA

She has many, many videos which are all great, but that link is specifically for the use of the boards.