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Putting Together the Quilt Sandwich

Transcript 

Frame 1: Quilt Sandwich
Now you are ready to make the quilt sandwich.  In this lesson we will be pin basting as opposed to hand basting.  Remember to pin baste when machine quilting and hand baste when hand quilting.

Frame 2:  Pressing
Always make sure the top and back are pressed and wrinkle free before you begin.

Frame 3: Backing
Start with the backing fabric by placing it face down.  On smaller projects like this practice piece, I lay the backing on my cutting board.  On larger projects I set up large tables for pin basting the layers.  I cover these with cardboard to protect the tabletops.  Often you can borrow tables from your workplace or church or school if you don't have these at home.

Frame 4: Tape One Corner
Next, I use masking tape to secure the backing.  Begin by taping in one corner.

Frame 5:Tape Opposite Corner
Gently stretch the fabric before applying tape to the opposite corner. 

Frame 6: Tape All Edges
Continue taping around the edges until all sides are secure. I'm usually taping about every 10 to 12 inches on larger quilts.  You want to make sure your backing is tight and wrinkle free.   On larger projects you may have to make adjustments.  You'll notice the more you pull in one direction, the more wrinkles pop up in the other direction.  If you can see wrinkles now they will only get worse when you begin to machine quilt.

Frame 7: Batting
The batting comes next in the quilt sandwich.  Before you layer the batting make sure it is free of any loose threads or lint.  These can often show through the top and backing if they're not removed.  Place the batting over the backing.  Smooth out any wrinkles.  You do not need to tape the batting.

Frame 8: Top
Lay the top over the batting and backing.  Once again smooth out any wrinkles.

Frame 9: Pinning
Now you're ready to pin all three of the layers together.  Use nickel-plated 1 inch safety pins.  These won't leave rust marks in your quilt like the brass 'quilters' safety pins.  I try to pin about every 3 inches. 

Frame 10: What About a Large Quilt?
On a larger project I would take into consideration my quilting design when pinning because that's where I'll be machine stitching.  I wouldn't want pins in my pathway.   Also remember, the closer together you place your pins, the less shifting you'll have.    Fabric shifting will cause the uneven stitches and bunching of fabric.

Frame 11: Ready to Machine Quilt and Add Binding
When pinning is completed, gently remove the tape.  Your quilt is now ready for machine quilting and binding!