Basting a Quilt.

This can be done many ways, by tacking the layers together, pinning it, if it is going to be machine quilted, or spray basting it, with temporary spray adhesive.  Longarm quilters can also baste the quilts for you, if you do not want them to quilt the quilts.  This is one job one have to do, some like it, others do not.

This is how I do it:

Step 1.   Make sure the surface I am working on is squeaky clean.  Especially after all the work one put in in creating a masterpiece!

Step 2.  Gather all the supplies and tools you will need to do this.  A pair of scissors, packing tape and pins.

Step 3.  Lay the quilt backing down, with the right side of the fabric facing towards the surface you will be taping the backing to.

Step 4.  The backing is taped in a + order.  Not the four corners first!

Step 5.  The backing is not ironed beforehand. As one tape it to the surface,  it is slowly stretched at the same time.  One tape the backing straight across from the last piece of taping one did.  Do not over stretch it when taping it down, otherwise it will distort the backing resulting in those dreaded bubbles on the back.

 

 

 

 Step 6.  Tape the corners last.  Tape opposite corners of the X.

 The backing is now ready for the next layer.

Step 7.  You are now ready to lay the batting/wadding on top.  A few days before the batting is to be used, fluff it  to get all creases out by throwing it over a spare bed.

Step 8. When placing the batting down on the wrong side of the backing, do not pull the batting, instead lift it, until it is in position.  Any leftover bubbles can be removed by gently patting the batting with your hand towards the edge of the batting.  This works really well and the batting lies flat.

Step 9.  Next layer the quilt top on top of the batting, making sure it is place in the centre.  Smooth out any creases, until it is flush to the batting.

 

Step 10.  Pin from the center in a +.  Pin one hand width apart, continue until the whole top is pinned.  Making sure to pin through all three layers.  If you used Temporary Spray Basting, you do not need to pin the quilt. Alternately you could baste the quilt from the centre with thread and a needle, using a running stitch.

Step 11.  Remove all the tape and discard.  The Quilt is now ready for quilting.

Step 12.  Quilt.

Step 13.  Stitch the binding on to the quilt.

Step 14.  Stitch a label on to the back of the quilt.  It is now done, ready to be  washed and to be enjoyed.

Spray Basting:

Tape backing to surface, exactly the same as for pinning or hand basting with needle and thread.

Step 1:   Spray the backing with Perfect Baste. Once this is done, gently lay the batting down on top, making sure there are no puckers or folds in the batting.

Step 2.  Spray the batting with the spray baste.  Now layer the quilt top, on top of the batting.  Smoothing the top down on top of the batting.

Step 3.  Remove the tape, holding the backing in place.  The Quilt is now ready for quilting.

                                                                     Enjoy!