Hi, I just made a table topper posted under the "I'm new thread."

Some of the fabric did not lay down real flat. I even basted it before putting the binding on it.
The blocks were 8 inches and I only top stitched around each block before putting on the binding, pulling the fabric tight so there would not be any loose fabric.

What do you do to keep the fabric all laying down flat after quilting it. On my other table runners I did the blocks were smaller and I quilted around each block and they are fine.

Your suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Before quilting did you baste the top and backing together ? It looks fine , but might not have been pinned close enough to prevent the gapping ? Does that make sense :?

I have better luck spray basting than pinning. It doesn't look bad though!

It really doesn't look too bad its just not as perfect as I like. I had not heard of using a spray, there are so many new things available that I have not used before.

I think I need to take a class just to catch up on the new tools.

on one of these runners, I tried the iron on that is like the warm and natural which was really nice.

I will look for the spray. I had so many pins in this small top that I kept sticking myself with them.

What is the name of the can of spray?

We are , our own worst critics :oops: You did fine :thumbup:

Sullivans and June Taylor are two that pop up quickly to mind . Sullivans I think is Just Spray Basting

I've tried 2 kinds of spray. Dritz (was just ok). I like the June Tailor better. Many swear by the 505 spray. I haven't tried it yet because I don't dislike the other enough to spend the extra money. I don't notice much odor, but I might spray lighter than others do.

I use 505 or Sulky spray. both work well.

I will call the store here and see if they have the spray. I am going to town tomorrow. Need more fabric of course. I should go through my years of quilting fabrics.

Right now I am into bold fabric colors and the quilts that I have hand quilted in the past are muted or pastels colors.

I just called Walmart and they carry June Tailor brand. I will give it a try. Do you still do some pinning with it too? I must of had 50 pins in my topper.

You can try putting your quilt through a rinse cycle in your machine to get it good and wet, and spin it dry. Then stretch it out and let it dry. It may lay flatter for you afterwards :D:D:D

When pinning use safety pins, sorry, I didn't think to say that. The way everyone here talks you won't need to pin if you use the spray basting. I have a pet bird and won't try the spray, I get my quilts ready for quilting in the dining room and afraid the spray my affect him.

Safety pins is what i used on my quilts didn't think about it on this table runner.

Love your May basket quilt. I did one for my daughter 15 years ago when she got married.

I will try washing it too.

Welcome to the quiltingboard. !!!!!!

I only pin around the edges. It helps hold them together with so much handling thru the machine.

Another handy option I found recently is water soluable thread. I used it to baste areas I wasn't doing stitching in and it washes out after. It does help prevent shifting. I did this in addition to the spray baste.

Did you baste before quilting? sounds like that could be the problem.

I pinned the top really, really good then quilted it on the machine. Then I basted the edge before sewing the binding on.