3 of 4

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

this precaution will result in a quilt with a top notch look and finish.

What is a quilt sandwich you might ask? It is an important step to understand in the basting process. Simply put, it is made up of three layers. Those layers are: the completed top (the design section of you quilt), a layer of batting (this will help give you quilt dimension and added warmth to the quilt) and the backing (usually a simple, plain piece of fabric-but, some quilters use a backing that is almost as intricately pieced as the front). These layers must be held together securely, and there are options in doing this.

1. The first method we'll look at is the one most universally understood as "basting". This method is usually done by hand and is the technique that has been used for decades.

In this method, the three layers are either placed on a basting frame (yes, just a frame used for nothing else but basting). The backing is first in the "sandwich". It is stretched out on the frame. Take notice to make sure it is tight, but not stretched out of shape.

Next, the batting is laid out on the backing and smoothed out so there will be no lumps, humps or bumps in the quilt.

After the batting is in place, the top is situated upon the batting. Take the time to smooth it out, making sure it is snug but not stretched and temporarily pin the top in place. After that, you are ready to begin the basting.

The basting stitch in a long stitch, definitely not one to use for sturdy sewing. The large stitched serves to just hold the quilt "sandwich" together during quilting, plus basting stitches are easy to remove once the quilt layers are secured by the much smaller quilting stitches. It is recommended to use a larger needle with one end of the thread knotted. Once you needle and thread are prepared you are ready to begin.

Baste the quilt in grids. Run stitches horizontally all the way across you quilt, making the rows of stitching about 4 to 6 inches apart. Do this from top to bottom of the quilt.

Next baste vertical rows across the quilt top, again making the rows 4 to 6 inches apart. Make sure the vertical area is covered from side to side.

Baste all the way into the border area of the quilt.

When you finish, the entire quilt should be covered by basting stitches. There are good resources on the internet accompanied by images that will help you through the process. This image is a good example of the hand basted stitch itself.

If you don't have a basting frame, you may spread your quilt "sandwich" out on the floor or a table that is big enough to accommodate your project. Just take extra care not to let the layers slip or bunch up while doing this.

Hand basting is especially effective for hand quilting. If you are a machine quilter and you hand baste, you may run the risk of having the hand basting stitches permanently caught up in the machine quilting. So, there are other options...

2. Pin basting is another viable option. This method is very similar to hand basting in several ways. One it serves to secure the layers of the "sandwich" during the quilting process and two, you want to make sure the top is sufficiently cover or basted with pins.

The set up and layout for pin basting is much the same. The quilt "sandwich" needs to be laid out in the same order as above and care should be taken to prevent the layers from slipping or getting "wonky" or from bunching up.

Ordinary pins aren't used in this process. Instead very large safety pins that are sometimes called quilter's safety pins are used.

Pin basting is used quite often by machine quilters. If you opt for this method, just be sure you remove the pin before sewing over it with you machine!

3. There are other options, most notably spray basting. This involves using an adhesive you lightly spray on the layers to hold them together while you quilt. Some quilters stay away from this option because of the chemical component of the adhesive. Many are uncomfortable of using chemicals on their fabrics and quilts. The chemical compounds can add to the degradation of the fabric.

Another technique is to use a basting gun much like you would in hand basting or pin basting. Although good in theory, there are some inherent problems with the gun misfiring, etc.

Just remember that a well basted quilt take you one step closer to turning out a top notch finished quilt.

Whatever method you choose, just remember it is basting one step-an intermediary step towards creating a wonderful creation-and an heirloom for the future.

Learn more about this author, Beverly Hicks Burch.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about How to hold layers of quilt together while quilting?
We want to hear your view. Write now!