Sandwiching Quilts on small table
10-30-2019, 03:32 AM
#12
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 5,571
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.
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.
10-30-2019, 05:59 AM
#13
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Southern Louisiana
Posts: 9,817
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.
10-30-2019, 07:26 AM
#15
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: over here
Posts: 1,113
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.
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.
10-30-2019, 08:31 AM
#16
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Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Greater Peoria, IL -- just moved!
Posts: 6,127
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.
Keep your eyes out at garage sales or Craig's List or equivalents.
10-30-2019, 10:44 AM
#17
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Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Florida
Posts: 5,921
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.
10-30-2019, 02:56 PM
#18
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Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Waterford Michigan
Posts: 7,241
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.
10-31-2019, 03:19 AM
#20
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Portage, Michigan
Posts: 7,506
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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