meyert

I had only used the "birth" technique on receiving blankets. These were 30 x 30 and there was no problems. Over the weekend I did a larger quilt.. about twin size. Now I have a little bit of a challenge. Everything turned right side out fine, and it looks really pretty. My concern is that now my backing material is a little too big which is causing some "slop". Not a bunch, but it looks like maybe it ended up 1" wider than the top and batting. I know 100% all 3 layers were the same size to start with because I laid them all on top of eachother and compared. Maybe the backing stretched??? who knows Anyway, I need to do something to hold all 3 layers together. I have only tied a quilt one time and it was a complete failure. Not sure I want to try that again. My batting says can be "stitched up to 4 inches apart". If I tie this does that mean I need to have my ties 4 inches apart as well? I am still tempted to machine quilt the layers. Does anyone have any tips or techniques that I could try or at least keep in mind as I finish this quilt up?

nanacc

Maybe I'm off base, but after you quilt, could you fold the excess backing to the front and stitch down as you would regular binding?

Tartan

Birthing quilts always gave me the same problem. If you intend to use ties then yes they need to be 4 inches appart as recommended by the batt.
If you decide to machine quilt, you can try this. Smooth out the sandwich as best you can easing the extra fabric to along all 4 edges. Pin the sandwich well and quilt the middle leaving 4 inches all around the edge. Place quilting motifs at intervals around that last 4 inches. It will be quilted but the spaces will allow the extra to puff between the motifs.
You can also quilt the center up to the last 4 inches around the edge, rip open the side seams, smooth out the quilt edges, trim and put on a regular binding.

tessagin

I'm trying to picture the quilt. have you thought about giving the quilt a shake all around to shift it a little? What kind of fabric did you use. The least little bit of a knit fiber may have been the problem.

tessagin

Tartan's idea sounds good, also!

meyert

I have fleece backing, then cotton batting and the top is cotton as well. I also put a ruffle, which is what is keeping me from taking things apart... would be a lot of work to take apart even without the ruffle. The ruffle is what will keep me from just folding the back to the front as well..... but I will think about Tartan's suggestion as far as leaving the "puff" along the edges. I will just starting pinning really well this evening and see how it looks. Thank you

ManiacQuilter2

I did over a dozen placemats by birthing them. I cut the batting just on the seam line and sprayed the corners and edges so batting would stay put. I always have trouble getting the edge seam pressed evenly so it lays flat.

PaperPrincess

I have found that my fleece backings stretch a bit. I have more luck keeping everything in line with a woven backing. But minkee & fleece are sooo cuddly...

misseva

I always have the same problem when 'birthing' a quilt. I only tie a birthed quilt.

charsuewilson

I had the same problem birthing quilts. Today if I were to do it again, I would consider trying to get inside the quilt and using the spray adhesive. It can be repositioned until you're happy with it.