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amma 11-21-2011 06:47 AM


Originally Posted by sewmom (Post 4704808)
There is a trick where you put a large marble underneath the backing which holds up the backing from the floor. You then roll the marble to the next area and pin. I have a tile floor, so this hasn't been an issue. I've also pinned them on a table using clamps. I am now trying Sharon Schambert's way of hand basting. Haven't decided if I REALLY like it or not, but at least I'm not on my knees on a tile floor.

I use one of the flat sided glass marbles that you use in fish tanks and vases. :) :) :)

Tink's Mom 11-21-2011 06:54 AM


Originally Posted by amma (Post 4705235)
I use one of the flat sided glass marbles that you use in fish tanks and vases. :) :) :)

I have some of those!!! Going right now, and getting 2 for the sewing room...1 to use and 1 for when I can't find the other...

Thanks!!!

Scissor Queen 11-21-2011 07:01 AM

I just gave up the whole "taping and crawling around on the floor" nonsense and I use Sharon Schamber's sensible two board method sitting at a table.

Buckeye Rose 11-21-2011 07:14 AM

Once I discovered spray basting, I knew I would never pin again! I can buy a large can at Walmart of the Dritz spray (no longer selling June Tailor) for $8 and it's worth every penny. I never have to get down on my knees again. If the quilt is small enough, I do it on my king size bed....otherwise I take it to my daughters house and use her floor (large open area).

schoolteacher 11-21-2011 08:20 AM


Originally Posted by Quiltersbox (Post 4705040)
I use my kitchen island. It's 4' x 6' now, but my old one was 48" x 30".
If you don't have an island, one of those hobby/cutting tables with the fold up sides will work well.
Although I haven't basted a king size on it yet, basting on the island has been working for me.
I think it's important the surface be flat and that the back be free of wrinkles before you lay it down.
Smooth each layer out from the center as you lay them on top of each other.
You can never have enough safety pins.
Make sure the back is at least 4" larger on all sides to allow for migration when you are smoothing out the layers from the center.
Start pinning from the center of your section (the section is the part on top of the island at the moment)
I keep smoothing as I'm pinning - I can usually feel any wrinkles as I go.
When I'm done with the section, I gently move the quilt sandwich over the island to do a new section.

There are a few good books that have instructions & tips for basting:

Harriet Hargrave - Heirloom machine quilting, published by C & T Publishing

Barbara Schaffeld & Bev Vickery - Hand Quilt Without a Frame, published by Lone Tree Press

The Complete Book of Machine Quilting, second edition by Robbie & Tony Fanning published by Chilton Book Company


I'm going to try this method. It would sure beat crawling on my hands and knees. Getting too old for that. My island is big enought to hold a full sized so it should work. Thanks..

Joy.lynn 11-21-2011 08:26 AM


Originally Posted by Scissor Queen (Post 4705277)
I just gave up the whole "taping and crawling around on the floor" nonsense and I use Sharon Schamber's sensible two board method sitting at a table.

This is the way i do it. This is so easy, no tape. I can't use sprays, it does sound easy.

thimblebug6000 11-21-2011 08:39 AM


Originally Posted by SherryW (Post 4705030)
It takes time and I use fusible batting and iron it on the top side while it's still on the floor. Then I pick it up carefully and bring to ironing board and iron the other side with the safety pins in place. Works for me. I also have hardwood floors and I haven't scratched them. The batting comes loose from the fabric very easily; it's not a permanent bond.

I have some fusible batting that was bought for a specific project and not used. I have been wondering how on earth to iron it into a sandwich. It's fusible on both sides and I sure don't want to have the heat of the iron go through to the floor. Do you know if there's a video showing how this is done?

Kim Bohannon 11-21-2011 08:49 AM


Originally Posted by Scissor Queen (Post 4705277)
I just gave up the whole "taping and crawling around on the floor" nonsense and I use Sharon Schamber's sensible two board method sitting at a table.

this is the method I am going to start using... looks easy

117becca 11-21-2011 08:50 AM


Originally Posted by Scissor Queen (Post 4705277)
I just gave up the whole "taping and crawling around on the floor" nonsense and I use Sharon Schamber's sensible two board method sitting at a table.

this what i do, too.

AnnieF 11-21-2011 09:25 AM

I sandwich on my dining room table. Put the backing down and use clamps from the tool box to hold it in place. Then the batting and top float on top. I pin-baste. I put the pin in, when it hits the table, I pivot it up and close it. I have never had pleats in the back or any other problem with the sandwich.


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