Sandwich and Basting A Quilt || My Method

I needed a post to send people to in regards to making a quilt sandwich and basting.  I know there are several ways of doing this, and I highly recommend trying several tutorials to find the best technique that suits you.  Below, you will find my method.  This is what I do, and it makes me happy.  Quilting should make you happy.  If something makes you grumpy, don't do it.  :)

Supplies Needed:

Quilt back
Batting of choice that is at least 4" larger on all sides than your quilt top.  I love Dream Cotton.

Blue painters tape (Buy the old school kind with no words on it like the one here that is linked, if you can.  It has a stronger tack.)

Fabric scissors

505 Basting Spray, optional but follow the directions on the can

Basting pins size 2 or 3

Kwik Klips for aiding in the closing of pins, optional

*It is recommended that quilt backs are at least 4" wider, or your hand's width, on all four sides than the quilt tops. This is necessary for anyone who wants to free motion quilt, as the extra width allows for the hands to have something to hold onto when the needle reaches the edges of the quilt. I find this number to be a little excessive for straight line quilting on my home machine, but that is my personal preference. And as always, follow the instructions of the long arm quilter you plan to use, if you are not quilting it yourself.  If using basting spray, read the can before starting.

After reviewing my photo library and realizing I do not have great photos to share, I will update this tutorial with the next quilt I baste.  

Once your quilt top and backing are done, you will need to create a quilt sandwich before basting. I like to work on a large hard surface, which typically ends up being my clean living room or kitchen floor.

Using a freshly pressed backing, lay it on the floor right side down. Using painter's tape, tape one side down.  Move to the opposite side, and gently pull the quilt as you tape it to the floor.   Repeat for the other two sides. You will want the backing to be taut but not so much it distorts any of your piecing.

Place your batting down on top.  Starting from the center, gently smooth the batting out working your way out to the sides. Try to get as little wrinkles as possible.  I like to keep my batting within the quilt back, so trim any excess batting with scissors.  

Place your freshly pressed quilt top face up.  (If spray basting, this is where I will spray baste.  I think most cans say to spray both sides of the batting, but I do not do that.  Just one side of the batting works for me.)  Very carefully, smooth out any wrinkles working from the center out like you did with the batting.   

Starting in the center of the quilt, pin baste about every four to five inches or a fist width apart.  The Kwik Klips is handy with closing safety pins, but I have used a skewer as well in the past.  And of course, you could just use your fingers.  But I reach for my Kwik Klips a lot.  

Tip: If your quilt is large, try not to walk on or move around too much while on your quilt.  This could pull the quilt out from under the tape and/or create unwanted wrinkles.

Basted!  Now remove the tape, and head over to the machine to quilt.  

xx nancy

One year ago:  Fabric baskets
Two years ago: High Point Market
Three years ago: NY Beauty Circle of Geese
Four years ago: Turn a lampshade into a pendant


My quilting book released Sept. 24, 2015 and is on Amazon.  Check it out!

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