need some quilt advice...

**santoria** · 04-08-2008, 03:41 PM

I have a panel with designs to quilt...

how do I pin it to the batting and then the backing?

(I've made many blocks and stuff, but I've never gotten this far...)

**ktsmama** · 04-08-2008, 04:43 PM

I'm curious to see if anyone has answers, because I would like to do this, too.

Good luck!

**SewCrafty** · 04-08-2008, 05:41 PM

Your backing and batting should be 2-4 inches larger ALL around than your top piece.

i.e. If your top piece measures 32" x 48", your backing and batting should measure 40" x 56" each. The reason being is that when you quilt the top, it tends to start pulling in the other 2 layers. If you started out with all of them the same size, you would end up without enough backing to cover your top.

Layering: On a large table or surface where you can lay everything flat, lay the backing with WRONG side up, then the batting, then your top RIGHT side up. Pin or hand baste all 3 layers together to keep from shifting as you work. When you are all done remove the basting.

When done with the quilting trim all edges to even out with the top piece and add your binding to finish off.

HTH

**santoria** · 04-08-2008, 05:47 PM

how far apart should the pins be?

**Dancing Lotus** · 04-08-2008, 05:47 PM

You might like to try using safety pins.

How large are your blocks? I put one per block but if they are tiny blocks that would be too much. I'm not a expert I just learn as I go so my advice may not be worth much.

**SewCrafty** · 04-08-2008, 06:06 PM

Honestly off hand I can't remember

But I think it is every six inches, and I use safety pins also, just remove them as I come to them.

**santoria** · 04-08-2008, 06:10 PM

kay...

I'm going to take a picture of the panel too...and the measurements.

of course I'm not supposed to be doing anything withmy feet so its going to be a longer work in progress. lol

**santoria** · 04-09-2008, 12:07 PM

here's a picture of the panel...

and a close up of one of the squares.

I think I'll make a border to go around it, and a creamy back.

oh and the whole panel is 42"X32"

**Juju** · 04-09-2008, 02:13 PM

It is going to be BEAUTIFUL.

**Frugal Nurse** · 04-25-2008, 05:40 PM

OH! that's beautiful!!!!

I lay it flat on my bed and layer it just like SewCrafty described, but I hand baste the layers together. About every six inches seems to be good.

I have tried safety pins- But I hate having to undo the pins while I am sewing. So, I prefer hand basting.

Gosh! that's so pretty!