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no1jan 10-30-2019 03:28 AM

Thank you everyone for your ideas. I am going to try a couple. I don't know if I can find a large table. All of the places I know of charge for the use of the room.

NJ Quilter 10-30-2019 03:32 AM

I use my cutting table to sandwich quilts. It's one similar to those sold at JAF with the fold down sides. I have done from table runners to large king quilts on this table.

I place my backing centered on the table, smoothed and then clamp it in place with large binder clips. Then batting centered. Using the same binder clips, clamp that down. Repeat with top. I place 3 clips on each side and 2 clips on each end. I normally pin baste about a hand-width apart in all directions. I've learned, though, that when doing a large king, thread basting makes the whole sandwich might lighter to deal with.

lberna 10-30-2019 05:59 AM

Go to YouTube and search for “Quilt Basting Basics Made Easy" by Man Sewing. He shows how to use a small table for making the sandwich. I found clamps similar to the ones he uses at Walmart for $0.99 a piece in the hardware dept. I bought 10 of them. I do exactly as he does.

sewingpup 10-30-2019 06:08 AM

umm...want a quick no fess method....check and see if any of the long arm quilters near you will baste a quilt...tee hee...no sore knees or fingers.

roguequilter 10-30-2019 07:26 AM


Originally Posted by thimblebug6000 (Post 8320125)
I admit to only skimming the above comments.... I use my dining room table in the winter months where I can't lay my quilt sandwich outside.
I mark the centre of the backing.with a safety pin on the right side....lay it right side down on the table.... I mark the centre of the batting with a safety pin... lay that on top of the batting, matching the centre marking..... I mark the centre of the quilt top on the right side with a pin.... removing the pin that is in the batting.... lay it right side up matching the centre markings on the rest of the sandwich. Starting in the middle... I either pin baste a fist width apart.... or if I am doing intricate hand quilting.... I hand baste....from the centre out..... once everything on the table top sandwich is done....carefully shift the sandwich to the left....and repeat...and then to the right and repeat.

this is how i've been doing small quilts and miniatures for many years. when i started there was no you tube or internet. when a problem arose, i worked out a solution. the only thing i do differently than you, thimblebug (i love! your avatar & name), is that i use painters tape to tape the back to the table. start in middle of edge, tape, other edge stretching till just taut and tape. then work evenly up then down each side. i use my dining table now as my sewing table doesn't fit any room in current home. i have a large cutting mat that almost completely covers my dining table and avoid marks from basting needle. i also thread baste all my quilts for hand or maching quilting except for flannel backed.

Iceblossom 10-30-2019 08:31 AM

As an idea, many quilters like an old ping pong table for layout. You want the type the folds up in the middle for storage, since you don't need a sports top, that doesn't really matter and you can get one left out in the rain. You do need a garage or somewhere to keep it but they are a great size and height!

Keep your eyes out at garage sales or Craig's List or equivalents.

toverly 10-30-2019 10:44 AM

I think of it like ironing sheets, I work on my ironing table. I lay the batting down and then lay a corner of the front of the quilt it. I use spray baste to keep it in place, working a small section at a time across the top and down. I iron as I go. My favorite is the heat and bond in the purple and white can. The smell doesn't overwhelm me. Once the front is sprayed down and smooth. I trim the batting to about 2" on each side. Then I proceed to do the backing the same way, making it the same size as the batting. Once it is all secure, I pin it about every 8-10 inches. The only reason I pin is that I am working on a Juki 2010q and the quilt will be puddled and turned alot. I just don't want it to gap anywhere.

juliasb 10-30-2019 02:56 PM

When I had only a smaller circular table I would use larger binder clamps and clamp the sandwich to the table taunt and use my trusty tea spoon and pins. I would move the quilt and do it a section at a time. I used this way for more than 15 years. Now I use a different method and usually my kitchen floor.

Frances41 10-31-2019 02:43 AM

this is what I do, think it works for me.

WMUTeach 10-31-2019 03:19 AM

I also live in a smaller space and struggled with sandwiching my work. I take my quilt tops, batting and backs with me to a local library that has a room with large tables that I can butt together and sandwich to my hearts content. I have also used tables at my church. Of course a phone call and specific time is needed but to sandwich 2, 3,or 4 quilts at a time, makes it all worth it.


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