by Heather Wagner

Created on: February 24, 2010   Last Updated: February 25, 2010

So you just finished your quilt top; now it is time for the quilting portion.

First things first, make sure you have enough batting and backing for your quilt. If you do, than your set to go. First put the backing on a clean, flat surface, I like to just use the floor. Make sure that it is wrong side up. Then put your batting down, and finally put your quilt top on. Trim the edges of the backing and batting, so that there is about  2-3 inches on the edges of the quilt top.

There are many methods on how to hold your quilt layers together. One is basting stiches in to your quilt. All you do is once your quilt is layered, start in the middle and hand baste stitches all the way through. This will hold it all together for you and then once your done quilting just rip them out.

Another way, is a quilt frame. If your lucky enough to have one of these, then you can assemble your quit on the frame and not have to baste it. The frame is desinged to hold the quilt layers together while quilting.

One of the last methods, that I know of, and this is also my favorite. Go to your local quilt store, and ask for Quilt Basting Spray. This spray acts as the basting would. It holds all your layers together. for a really long time, and when I say really long time, I mean it. I had a quilt that I didn't work on for about a year and a half, and all the layers were still stuck firmly in place. The way to use it is:

1) Lay your backing, batting, and top down like usual. Its easier if you have someone helping you, but you can do this by yourself.

2) Go to the middle of the quilt and pull back the top and batting. Spray an even layer of spray all over the wrong side of the backing.

3) Once that is done, slowly smooth the batting on top of the backing, making sure that the are no wrinkles in the backing. This is why I say that it helps to have someone, then they can hold the backing while you smooth out the batting.

4) Repeat the same thing on top of the batting for the quilt top.

5) Once that half is done, turn around and do the other half of the quilt. Just pull the top and the batting until you feel a little bit of a pull, that is where you sprayed the first time on the other half and where you need to start on this half.

* As a side note, make sure you are in a well-ventilated area, you could be getting a little extra happy if you inhale to many of these fumes. *

Which ever way you choose to hold your quilt together, make sure that it is wrinkle free, and held together well.

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