basting a quilt?

**frugalmel** · 12-01-2002, 03:22 PM

I read a thread somewhere on basting vs pinning vs spray adhesive. Do I understand correctly that all of these methods are to secure top batting and bottom together before the quilting is done on top? If so are all quilts done this way? Thanks for satisfying my curiosity.

**Kimmomo3** · 12-01-2002, 05:16 PM

Yes the majority are done this way.(as far as I know)
I like to pin, it is the fastest for me. I also machine quilt so that might make a diffence too.

**homesteadmamma** · 12-01-2002, 08:32 PM

Yes your right. All quilts have to be done at least one way in order to get the quilt so that it doesn't "pucker" at the back when your quilting it.

I use quilting safety pins for ALL of mine. I don't have time to baste and pin (which is usually done together) and I can't afford the spray. I actually don't mind pinning and I've never had problems with the back when I do it this way.

**SewCrafty** · 12-01-2002, 10:34 PM

CJ, I can't wait for the tutorial. This is the part I'm not very good at. I can make the quilt top no problem. But the actual quilting is another story.

How do you get a bed size quilt under your sewing machine? I have rolled it and it is still very difficult to handle.

**Patchworkgirl** · 12-02-2002, 05:48 AM

Diana, that is the exact reason that I don't like machine quilting- I've done both, and found it extremely difficult to not get puckers in machine quilting.

**SewCrafty** · 12-02-2002, 11:14 AM

I know Patchworkgirl, I made a twin size quilt and ended up hand sewing it. Well, to be honest, it looks like a very small child did it. I don't have a quilting frame and just sorta layed it out on my dining room table to stitch. I won't do that again. Next time I will just tie it, unless CJ has some tips for us!

**Patchworkgirl** · 12-02-2002, 12:36 PM

When I made my full sized quilt, I basted it really well, then hand quilted it using a hoop- it came out really good. No puckers. It was really nice, cause I could quilt while I watched tv.

**frugalmel** · 12-02-2002, 05:30 PM

Thanks everyone for the responses. Since I am new to quilting I guess I will try a couple of different techniques and see what works for me. Can't wait for the tutorial! I am so excited.

**SewCrafty** · 12-03-2002, 11:16 AM

Good idea Patchworkgirl! What size hoop do you use? I think the largest I have is either 12" or 14".

**Patchworkgirl** · 12-03-2002, 05:44 PM

Diana, my hoop is downstairs in the basement right now so I can't measure, but I think a 14" hoop would be fine. The key is basting so it doesn't shift. I like the whole process of hand quilting and hand piecing. I guess I'm just not into speed...lol. I think everyone should try both methods to see which they like better.

**homesteadmamma** · 12-03-2002, 11:47 PM

When I hand quilt my large quilts (anything larger than single) I use a 14 in. hoop. It is a nice size and isn't too large so that it is easy to maneauvre.