How do I baste my quilt?

Question

I am in a Home Economics class, and I am making a quilt. I am supposed to baste it right now, and I need help with it, regarding how to do it by hand. I have three layers; the backing fabric, the batting, and the sewn quilt itself. I'm supposed to have big, long stitches. Can someone please tell me an informative answer on how to baste my quilt? Thank you!

Answer 1

There are actually several ways to baste a quilt, although if this is for a class you might be limited as to your choices. Basting is done to hold the layers together so they don't shift when you quilt it. If you're working on a small project, spray basting can be very effective, and MUCH easier than basting with thread. You can buy the spray adhesive at most fabric and craft stores. You can pin baste using safety pins (there are even special bent safety pins made just for quilt basting). You can use a basting gun to "shoot" plastic ties through the layers. The plastic ties are like the things that hold price tags onto clothing. Finally there's the old standby, hand basting with a needle and thread. Needle choice is really up to you, as long as it's fairly thin. You can use regular thread (use something that contrasts with the quilt so it will be easy to find when you need to remove it) or you can try water soluble thread, which dissolves in water (it's easier to remove, but more expensive). Make loooong running stitches, going through the layers. Leave the thread on the spool and keep pulling it through the quilt. Because the stitches are so long, you'll be able to go quite a ways without having to cut it.

Find a large open area with a smooth surface (trust me, if you do this on carpeting you'll fasten your quilt to the floor). Spread the backing out with the right side DOWN. Make sure there are no creases or puckers in the fabric, and tape it down with blue painters tape to keep it smooth. The backing should be several inches larger than the quilt top on each side. Now place the batting on top of the backing. Read the instructions to know if you need to pre-wash it, spread it out to relax, put one side up (if there's a scrim), etc. Smooth the batting out and tape it to the floor or backing fabric. The batting should also be a few inches bigger than the top. Finally, place the quilt top on the batting (right side UP). You should have already pressed it to make it as flat and neat as possible. Smooth it on top of the batting, keeping it as straight as possible. Start pinning, tacking, or sewing the layers together, fastening it every six inches or so. Try not to disturb the layers as you go.

When you're finished, remove the tape you're ready to quilt. If you need to fold or roll the quilt for storage or transportation, you can trust that the layers will still be in place when you're ready to quilt.

Answer 2

Are you just basting to hold it together? If so, stack your fabrics, right sides out, sandwiching the batting in the middle. Then, along the edge, take your long stitches along the sides, through all layers. If you are basting the actually quilting process, you will do the same thing with the fabric, but baste (take your long stitches) throughout the fabric, not just on the edges, however your pattern is to be.