Umm, not exactly sure how you are supposed to do that. I layered them so the top was on top, the other two layers were bigger than the top, and as I was sewing I just used the edge of the top layer as a reference. I guess I did not square them up then. I thought leaving the batting and backing bigger than the top would be the way to go. But maybe not?

I believe that would be your problem. All three layers must be the same when they are laying out flat.

Okay, sounds like I have to redo the whole thing (kind of knew that already). Thanks for all your help!

Maybe I misunderstood. I thought you were doing the envelope method (sometimes called pillowcase method) of finishing where you sew the backing and the top, right sides together on top of the batting leaving a space to turn it right side out and then slip stitch the opening closed after you turn it. Maybe that's not what you meant?

yep,Eleanor Burns of Quilt in a Day does that but she makes it look so easy. machine quilting a turned quilt like that isn't easy. tieing them is best.

I do what I've heard called 'birth' a quilt...I think that's what you're trying to do. Sewing all the way around = leave a good opening and turn it right side out and then top stitch around the border.

I leave my batting and backing larger than my quilt top. The top is truly square. I layer it just like a regular quilt by taping it 'taunt' to the table and then pin the heck out of it - both in area of the quilt top and along the edge.

I have 2 waiting to be sewn right now. If you'd like to see a picture of my pinning - let me know.

Another hint I did not see with a quick look at posts---stitch one way then turn the quilt and stitch back.... Like turning around and going back down the road. Start at top of quilt with first row of quilting, then start at bottom of quilt with next row of quilting.

This works with quilting then binding or pillow case quilting.

Good luck.

Yes, all three layers need to be the same. If they aren't cut the same, lay them flat with the smaller fabric on top. Then stitch them like they were flat and trim after sewing.

Yes, all three layers need to be the same. If they aren't cut the same, lay them flat with the smaller fabric on top. Then stitch them like they were flat and trim after sewing.

The envelope, or pillowcase, method works fine for me. I layer the pieces as described, making sure there are no wrinkles or puckering in the layers, then pin;
stitch all around; trim off any excess beyond whatever seam allowance I want (I state it this way because often with these turned quilts I leave a full 1/2" seam allowance, so when I turn and topstitch 1/2" from the edge it makes a pleasing filled edge);
turn the whole thing right side out;
top stitch and it's all good to go.
The easiest way I've ever seen.