Pinning a Large Quilt
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 100
Pinning a Large Quilt
I am working on my first large quilt- 85" x 85". It is a 9 block quilt made up of 3 columns with 3 rows, the middle column being slightly larger than the other two.
My question is whether I need to pin all nine blocks before I begin quilting from the center block out. It will take an insane amount of pins to do the entire quilt, but only 1/3rd the amount to just pin the first section. I plan to do channel quilting with a walking foot. Each block has a different channel direction (top/botton, left diagonal, right diagonal, etc.)
There are so many experienced quilters on this site, I wanted to get your opinions.
Thanks for your help!
My question is whether I need to pin all nine blocks before I begin quilting from the center block out. It will take an insane amount of pins to do the entire quilt, but only 1/3rd the amount to just pin the first section. I plan to do channel quilting with a walking foot. Each block has a different channel direction (top/botton, left diagonal, right diagonal, etc.)
There are so many experienced quilters on this site, I wanted to get your opinions.
Thanks for your help!
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Greater Peoria, IL -- just moved!
Posts: 6,183
What happens to me if I don't pin enough is that fabric will get flipped over and sewn in. And yes, you need a huge number of pins. From back when we first started with pins and used those big diaper sized ones, and now I have a more medium sized curved ones, I typically have a couple hundred safety pins. I keep mine in a cigar box.
I really don't recommend them but if you are going to do your project right away, maybe buy pins at the dollar store. You just don't want to use them for long term storage especially if you are in a high humidity area.
My preferred method is spray baste, but I'm going to be trying some basic Elmer's Glue in the near future. I was very disappointed with the bottle of spray I just purchased on a number of fronts, and basically I am cheap!
I really don't recommend them but if you are going to do your project right away, maybe buy pins at the dollar store. You just don't want to use them for long term storage especially if you are in a high humidity area.
My preferred method is spray baste, but I'm going to be trying some basic Elmer's Glue in the near future. I was very disappointed with the bottle of spray I just purchased on a number of fronts, and basically I am cheap!
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: dallas tx.
Posts: 5,172
If you are going to put pins in, buy a grapefruit spoon that is zig-zagged on edges. It keeps your fingers from getting very sore. Put the pin through the fabric and catch the pin with the spoon edge and close it. Barny
#4
This tool is made just for the purpose, though if you have a grapefruit spoon that will work too. https://www.amazon.com/Paula-Jean-Cr...2139968&sr=8-1
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,002
You could possibly pin the center section more densely (standard amount) and be somewhat more sparse in the outer areas to start, just to keep those outer areas from shifting on you. Then as you finish the center and move to the outer areas, take the pins removed from the center and add them in the outer areas you still need to work on.
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: northern minnesota
Posts: 2,480
This tool is made just for the purpose, though if you have a grapefruit spoon that will work too. https://www.amazon.com/Paula-Jean-Cr...2139968&sr=8-1
#7
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 9,299
I stopped pin basting when I discovered 505 spray. It’s worth every cent to save time, my back, my fingers, my nerves. It was also a pain removing pins as I went , always afraid of breaking a needle. If you’ve never tried it, I would highly recommend you do for this huge quilt.
#8
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,548
Since you are starting in the middle, heavily pin that area and put just a few pins in sides to keep the backing from folding in. Once the center is quilted, smooth out one side and heavily pin it and quilt . Lastly, heavily pin the other side and quilt it.
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