Wrinkled backing
 

I'm always having trouble getting my backing fabric to stay wrinkle free. I have tried pinning the fabric down first, I've tried taping, clamping it to a board & I just can not get rid of the wrinkles after I Pin baste the sandwich together. I have tried repining it again after all pins are in but when I'm guilting all of the darn wrinkes are back again. I have more wrinkles in my project than an 80 year old person. Lol. Any suggestions will be most appreciated.

I have the same problem.... I simply cannot get a flat quilt sandwich. I have an older HandiQuiltler frame that I use with my Janome 1600P -- It won't do larger quilts though. The alternatives for me are QAYG or sending out to LAer.

That's why I went to spray basting. Others here have suggested glue basting. I might try that sometime.

I have two suggestions: First, I use spray adhesive. Tape down the backing, spray the backing and carefully spread the batting down. Then spray the batting and put down the top. Then I pin baste the whole thing and get started. The second idea I actually saw a demonstration video online. The woman uses 2 lengths of 2 x 4s. She wraps the backing around one, puts the batting down and puts down the top that is similarly wrapped around the board. She unwinds the backing, pulls down the batting and unrolls the top. She she thread bastes what she has done. She keeps repeating until finished. I'll bet that was clear as mud, but the video is very explanatory.

Try heavily starching the backing. I use a 1:1 solution of Sta-Flo liquid laundry starch and water, "paint" this solution on using a large wall painting brush, wait a couple of minutes for the solution to penetrate the fibers, toss in the dryer, then iron with steam. I do this to the yardage before sewing into a backing, but you can also do it on the completed backing. Starch stabilizes the fabric so it is harder for it to fold over on itself.

Also, spray basting is easier than pin basting and allows you to peel off and re-position part of the quilt to get rid of a wrinkle. The only basting spray I recommend, though, is 505 and you do need a well-ventilated area to work (outside on a non-windy day works well).

http://bestquiltingvideos.com/?p=85
Try this.
D

"Thread Basting My Quilt Sandwich for FMQ" by "azwendyg" In the tutorial section here on this board. This is a great tute for basting. Best I have seen.

Spray baste and washable glue both work well. I think the suggestion to starch was a great one too.

I've tried the board method and didn't have a lot of luck with it. I think because I don't really have a wide enough space.