That never occurred to me - to pin the left hand side! Can't tell you how many times I have messed that up. Great tip!

I did not know this-- Very helpful! Thank you.

OMG, that's awesome! Thank you Denice_a for the info! We are die-hard Seahawks fans here and I'd love to make a 12th Man quilt!

I sometimes pin the first block in each row but I hadn't thought to put a pin in the left side of each pair. I've had to use the seam ripper many times because I have mixed the pieces up.

I also have wooden clothes pins that I will need to try as my markers. Then I can decide if I like pins or clothes pins better.

I do sometimes remember to take a picture of the design wall pattern before I start to stitch. It does help.

Connie

Yes I agree lots and lots of pics.

Oh, awesome, terrific, marvelous, etc, etc!! I was wanting the 12 to quilt for my DS and DIL! Thank you!

A tip from a teacher in a class: If you have your quilt on a design wall and need to take it off to go home you can denote the rows in the following way: For row one stack blocks from left to right and place 1 pin in the upper left corner. Do the same for row two but use 2 pins in the upper left corner. Continue using the number of pins in the corner as in the tow. When I get to row 5, I use a distinctive pin such as a flat head button or flower pin. Then for row 6 use the distinctive pin plus one regular pin and so forth. It works especially well at classes and retreats where you don't have your normal row marking with you.

thank you thank you...That is sooo simple...Why didn't I think of that...I always have to unsew some of my block
Happy Quilter

Yep second that. Glue basting changed my life. Gluing is especially awesome for serged items where pins are a big no no. (Max - Virginia)

I make my own markers with flower head pins and a Sharpie. I write the numbers 1, 2, 3, ... on the pins then use them wherever I need to keep the blocks or rows straight. If I need higher numbers, I just use another flower head. I have a separate pin cushion with my numbered pins so I can easily find them.

That's a great idea! Washable school glue basting IS the best tip that I use all the time in my quilting.

Knitette, I always get turned around, so the your pinning system will really help, thanks for posting this topic.

AudreyB, your quilt tip is great too with numbering flower head pins and keeping them in a separate pin cushion. Thanks.

Great tip! Thanks!

Currently I use those return address labels that come (unwanted) in the mail. I cut them into 2 or 3 pieces each, and then number them 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, etc. with a sharpie.

Another idea I'd seen recently was to use chalk to number the pieces. But I don't know...I wonder if it would wear off too quickly.

Really curious as to where you found the beads. I could never find anything but the round and they were a mess to try to mark.

My favorite tip is from one of our friends here at the QB re: hand quiltling. Thread ten needles at a time, leaving the thread on the spool then pull the needle and the thread off at the same time - leaving 9 threaded needles in your pin cushion ready to use.

I bought the numbered beads on eBay UK, but there's a link to eBay US here for the numbered ones. I also have a set of alphabet ones too - some sellers will sell these A-Z already sorted. You could also try craft shops like Hobby Lobby.

I also use the number system, but I have to lay my quilt out on the floor (no design board)
So I number the first block, than pin each block together down the row. Upper right hand corner to upper left hand corner, when you have the whole row pinned together in a strip take it to the machine and sew chain style together.
Works for me. Thanks for all the great tips.

Great tips for me. I always take a picture after mine is laid out so I can remember - and luckily, I already have the clothespins and butterfly topped pins mentioned here. A little secret BETWEEN US GIRLS - I bought a girdle recently I really liked and took a picture of it along with the tag so I can find another one like it!

I have started to use a coffee cup for my spools of thread that are usually put on horizontally, like the connecting threads spools. since i'm using an older sm that has vertical spindles. otherwise, the thread st slides off the spool. another tip , since I spray baste my quilts on the design wall, I have to smooth it down. I used our week end newspaper that was in it's plastic bag, just like you would use a brush when wallpapering, smoothing from the top or middle down. works a treat!