I tape the backing down, lay on the batting and top, then pin generously and baste generously. I hand quilt in my lap - no frame, no hoop, no starch. I also begin quilting in the center and work out from there. I have never had a problem except for the fact that my gluteal muscles get a little too much of a workout crawling around on the floor during the process. That's why baby's behinds are so cute though. I can always find the bright side!

For my quilts that are med. to large ~ Tape down the back, to my wood floors, then layer my batting and quilt top. I pin approximately ever 4 inches (or the size of my fist).

For smaller that I use spray basting (505). First I put down an old sheet, it catches all the overspray (then I don't have to mop) :lol: and tape it taught. Then back smoothed out on the sheet then batting. I spray half the batting (that will adhere to the back) and smooth out, then do the other half. Next the top is put down, pulling back half and sprayed then the other half. I have found the with spray basting that less is more, meaning that if you spray to heavy that it is harder to smooth the layers out.

Then, which ever method I have used --- to the sewing machine. I use either my walking foot our my free motion (aka darning) foot.

I hand base very close with water soluble thread. I use Sharon Schamber's board method or hand baste in a no baste hand quilting frame. It's fast. I go back and forth or up and down making a stitch about every inch or so. No puckers at all when machine quilting it. I don't mine basting close with the wash away thread, no thread to take out.

where do u get water soluble thread

You can Google "water soluble thread" and it should come up.

I was taught to lay my batting down first. smooth it out, and then spray it and then lay the backing on it. Work from the middle to smooth backing; turn quilt over and spray that side of the batting and lay the quilt on top of that and smooth out from the middle. I use pins and baste. Works for me.

Yes, always

Thanks sooooo much everyone, all your tips help a lot. Does anyone know if JoAnns sells 505 spray?

I love this board!!

Don't think Joann's sells 505 but I use their June Taylor and like it just fine and with their coupons it comes out to about $7 per can (before tax) and you can baste at least two large bed quilts per can. Between my quilts and those of my quilty friends we have over 300 quilts under our belts and with the spray basting our standards are much higher. We just are not tolerant of ANY puckers any more.

I tape my backing to the floor (making sure it is pulled tight. ) Spray it and lay the batting on top of it. Smooth the batting. Then I spray the batting and put the top on it. Smooth it out. Than I turn it over and double check the backing. Then I pin around the edges and quilt.

Thanks so much, I'm going to try that. When you start the process do you spray the backing then apply the batting then spray the batting to apply the quilt top?

I would love to know just how you do this because I hate the puckers as well.