Only if you feel uncomfortable with the spray basting. If you accidentally shift the fabrics, you can lift one side and smooth it out again. It stays rather sticky for a while.

In my machine quilting class, our teacher said you can quilt any time, even after the binding is on. I have a first quilt that needs more quilting so I was glad to hear that. Can't wait to see your pic?

judee

No, you don't have to pin at all which is the great thing about spray basting.

judee

Thanks for the info on the spray basting.. I 'll have to get me some!!

Mplsgirl, I agree totally! I guess I am more a piecer than quilter, because I have not learned to quilt them myself. I hand quilted a cheater quilt many years ago. Now, I have damage to my hand and don't think I could hand quilt. And I tried once to stitch next to the ditch and really uglied up a very pretty quilt I had made! And I cannot afford to have my quilts machine quilted by others. My SIL did pay to have one I did for him professionally quilted and it is fantastic...wish I could put it in a show! But, for now, for me, tying works...and I kind of like that style, too.

Just keep in mind that if you don't do the machine applique first, before you sandwich the quilt.. unless you take it all apart --- all those stitches are going to show up on the back of the quilt..

If it were me, I would present him with ONLY the quilt top, unfinished like it is with an explanation that I will take it back and finish it for him. This way give you the leeway to make other changes and make sure it will be perfect for him when the final presentation is made.

I am sure he will love it regardless of how you present it to him, because you made it with love.

Jacke

I made a large quilt for my daughter for Christmas and didn't have time to quilt it so I sprayed it well and put the binding on it. I will machine quilt it later! I've done it before and it works if the quilt is sprayed well.

Here's myquilt: http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/14491.page

I had no idea I was "birthing" :lol: but I've used it for a long time, especially when I make a knock-around, drag-around quilt for kids. I make a half-inch or five-eighth inch seam and then once it's turned to the right side, I top-stitch a little wider than the seam. For instance on the half-inch seam, I top-stitch about five-eighth -inch around the edge. For a five-eighth inch seam, I top-stitch about three-fourth inch around the edge. It's a nice edge and looks like a binding. Just be sure to use a walking foot. Good luck and congratulations for taking on the challenge to have it done for Christmas. I started a Christmas quilt the day of our snow (two weeks ago) and, as of 8 o'clock this morning, it is DONE. Well the label will have to wait until after Christmas. I decided not to sweat the small stuff.

I have tied many quilts, especially if the quilt needs to be done in a hurry. I have found the 'international tie' works out great and is very neat.
I would not bind a quilt and then hand or machine quilt it.
Good luck.
Jem

Pardon my ignorance, but what is the "international tie"? I could look it up, but you sweet gals probably already know the answer and will be so kind as to reply. Thanks in advance. And Merry Christmas to you and yours.