It helps a lot if you heavily starch top and backing before layering. This stabilizes the fabric so it is much less likely to stretch and distort while machine quilting. I like to use a 1:1 solution of Sta-Flo liquid laundry starch and water on the backing along with several layers of spray starch (drying in-between layers) on the top. I have not had a problem with 505 holding when using cotton batting, even when the top and backing are heavily starched.

A different option is to have a long-armer use water-soluble thread in a meander pattern to baste your quilt. Jamie Wallen does this for some of his customers. He said that a meander is much better than the more common cross-hatch pattern for this kind of basting, as it results in less distortion of the sandwich.

I can't see the tucks. My guess is they'll disappear in the first wash. The other thing I find sometimes helps prevent little tucks near the edge of the quilt is to baste the edge of the quilt within 1/4" from the edge. I remove my basting stitches once the whole thing is quilted, but I know some people leave them in since they're hidden by the binding.

I do the basting by hand & it takes very little time, but really makes a big difference in not having any tucks or pleats in the quilt back near the edge. I can't tell from the photo if you did that -- apologies if you have basting stitches in there.

the puckers must be small... I couldn't put my finger on them so I'm sure they'll blend in when washed. I love the fan FMQ and your fabrics have a wonderful cottage feel.

I appreciate this discussion very much. I am going to get some water soluble thread for basting my next quilt. I do a lot of STID to stabilize my quilts but sometimes feel it limits motifs I quilt into it because it is obvious on the back. It is not very obvious on the front because it is in the ditch. I want to try this idea.

I use Washable School Glue to sandwich the top, back and batt. The sandwiched quilt handles like one piece of fabric and I don't get puckers. Then the glue washes out with warm water and a little soap.

jill, this is so pretty! I'm sure the puckers will "disappear" when it is washed.

Gorgeous quilt and wonderful quilting on a DSM. I too, surmise it was the bias quilting that stretched. Lots of good advice here for future fixes.

Just wanted to let you know that your quilt (and quilting) is lovely! Those soft, pretty florals are wonderful!

Your quilt is lovely.If I have a quilt I am particularly worried about shifting, I baste it with water soluble thread. The one from Superior Threads is great in both bobbin and top. Sometimes I just out big wavy lines across the entire quilt, 6 - 8" across, sometimes I do an almost stitch in the ditch on the blocks ("almost" because I don't worry about a little wiggle since it will all wash out anyway). Then I take out all the pins, if I have used them, since the sandwich is nicely put together. I am going to do my first Baptist fan quilting on a lap quilt I made ages ago. I just got it spray basted and stabilized with water soluble thread. I hadn't thought of the fact I would be quilting bias lines, so I am glad I did it!Pam

Great info, Pam! I will order some thread for my next all over quilting project! Please post pics when your quilt is done!