When I use 505 spray I then iron over the whole thing front and back again to make sure it's all stuck together and is very smooth. Sewing from the middle out a couple of times both ways will help lessen the puckers. It will probably all come out in the wash as they say and we all learn from these little things. 100 years from now no one will say anything about it or if they do you won't care.

Your quilting looks ok, washing the quilt you will not notice this.

Hi Preeti,
Yes, stitching in the ditch is painful. When I first start a quilt it is hard to stay in the ditch. By the time I am finished I am doing pretty good. Makes me want to go back and re-do the early stuff.

Hi Debra,

Sounds like a great idea to iron it after making the sandwich.

The quilt is square (84 x 84). I did all quilting from the middle out.

Mary Lou

Thank you all for the helpful suggestions. Ideas that I took away from this exchange:

1.) Starch the heck out of the top and backing.
2.) After making the sandwich using basting spray iron it front and back to make sure everything is smooth.
3.) Use a walking foot.
4.) Quilt from the middle out if possible.
5.) Don't worry so much about the puckers in the back. Wash it and hope for the best.

Mary Lou

Does anyone besides me find that spray basting gums up the needle?

to avoid puckering, pull bottom fabric tighter. ape bottom fab. to the table before beginning to pin. works great for me

The problem may be with the brand of basting spray you are using. I never had this problem with 505. You do need to use a light hand with the spray; if the basting spray is applied too heavily, it may create problems. Also, the spray needs to dry before you start quilting. With 505 I left it for 4 hours or more. Some people iron their quilts after spraying, and this would probably accelerate drying.