Sandwich trouble
11-21-2011, 06:47 AM
#11
Power Poster
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Out searching for some sunshine :-)
Posts: 58,856
There is a trick where you put a large marble underneath the backing which holds up the backing from the floor. You then roll the marble to the next area and pin. I have a tile floor, so this hasn't been an issue. I've also pinned them on a table using clamps. I am now trying Sharon Schambert's way of hand basting. Haven't decided if I REALLY like it or not, but at least I'm not on my knees on a tile floor.
11-21-2011, 06:54 AM
#12
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: chicago, IL
Posts: 9,589
11-21-2011, 07:14 AM
#14
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Monroe, IN
Posts: 2,283
Once I discovered spray basting, I knew I would never pin again! I can buy a large can at Walmart of the Dritz spray (no longer selling June Tailor) for $8 and it's worth every penny. I never have to get down on my knees again. If the quilt is small enough, I do it on my king size bed....otherwise I take it to my daughters house and use her floor (large open area).
11-21-2011, 08:20 AM
#15
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 246
I use my kitchen island. It's 4' x 6' now, but my old one was 48" x 30".
If you don't have an island, one of those hobby/cutting tables with the fold up sides will work well.
Although I haven't basted a king size on it yet, basting on the island has been working for me.
I think it's important the surface be flat and that the back be free of wrinkles before you lay it down.
Smooth each layer out from the center as you lay them on top of each other.
You can never have enough safety pins.
Make sure the back is at least 4" larger on all sides to allow for migration when you are smoothing out the layers from the center.
Start pinning from the center of your section (the section is the part on top of the island at the moment)
I keep smoothing as I'm pinning - I can usually feel any wrinkles as I go.
When I'm done with the section, I gently move the quilt sandwich over the island to do a new section.
There are a few good books that have instructions & tips for basting:
Harriet Hargrave - Heirloom machine quilting, published by C & T Publishing
Barbara Schaffeld & Bev Vickery - Hand Quilt Without a Frame, published by Lone Tree Press
The Complete Book of Machine Quilting, second edition by Robbie & Tony Fanning published by Chilton Book Company
If you don't have an island, one of those hobby/cutting tables with the fold up sides will work well.
Although I haven't basted a king size on it yet, basting on the island has been working for me.
I think it's important the surface be flat and that the back be free of wrinkles before you lay it down.
Smooth each layer out from the center as you lay them on top of each other.
You can never have enough safety pins.
Make sure the back is at least 4" larger on all sides to allow for migration when you are smoothing out the layers from the center.
Start pinning from the center of your section (the section is the part on top of the island at the moment)
I keep smoothing as I'm pinning - I can usually feel any wrinkles as I go.
When I'm done with the section, I gently move the quilt sandwich over the island to do a new section.
There are a few good books that have instructions & tips for basting:
Harriet Hargrave - Heirloom machine quilting, published by C & T Publishing
Barbara Schaffeld & Bev Vickery - Hand Quilt Without a Frame, published by Lone Tree Press
The Complete Book of Machine Quilting, second edition by Robbie & Tony Fanning published by Chilton Book Company
I'm going to try this method. It would sure beat crawling on my hands and knees. Getting too old for that. My island is big enought to hold a full sized so it should work. Thanks..
11-21-2011, 08:26 AM
#16
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Saskatchewan, Canada
Posts: 148
11-21-2011, 08:39 AM
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: British Columbia
Posts: 8,103
It takes time and I use fusible batting and iron it on the top side while it's still on the floor. Then I pick it up carefully and bring to ironing board and iron the other side with the safety pins in place. Works for me. I also have hardwood floors and I haven't scratched them. The batting comes loose from the fabric very easily; it's not a permanent bond.
11-21-2011, 08:49 AM
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Georgia
Posts: 877
11-21-2011, 08:50 AM
#19
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: dayton OH
Posts: 1,911
11-21-2011, 09:25 AM
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 524
I sandwich on my dining room table. Put the backing down and use clamps from the tool box to hold it in place. Then the batting and top float on top. I pin-baste. I put the pin in, when it hits the table, I pivot it up and close it. I have never had pleats in the back or any other problem with the sandwich.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
pennyswings
Pictures
18
05-26-2009 01:25 PM
