What is the best way to put the top, batting and backing of a quilt together?

Question

Is it easier with a quilt frame or to use a large table to lay it out on to pin it first?

Answer 1

There are no-baste quilting frames for either hand or machine quilting. You roll the layers onto separate rails, which holds everything in place. This is the easiest solution, but not the cheapest. If you're quilting by machine or using a hoop to hand quilt, you need to baste it first. There are several basting options. You can pin baste (check out special bent safety pins and a Kwik Klip tool), do a long running stitch (leave the thread on the spool for as long as possible - cut after stitching), spray baste (best for smaller quilts - make sure you spray in a well ventilated area) or use a basting gun ("shoots" plastic ties like those that hold the price tag on clothing).

You can lay the fabric out on the floor (don't baste your quilt to the carpet!), on a large table (use office binder clips to hold the layers in place), or even on a wall. If you're using a wall or an uncarpeted floor, smooth the backing and tape it in place. Then smooth the binding over it, and tape in place, then the top and - you guessed it - tape in place.

Answer 2

Lay all three layers on the floor and smooth out. Use large safety pins that are used for quilting all around the edges to keep stable .I also use them in the center. Then baste around the edges. The whole idea is to keep the layers from shifting. I don't know if you are going to tie the quilt. If you are
you would put the top layer on upside down baste- sew around three sides then turn the quilt so the right side is showing then tie it. Why don't you invest in a basic quilting book. It would show you how to tie or actually quilt by hand. If you are going to quilt instead of tie you would assemble with the quilt top right side up. Good Luck!

Answer 3

My wife lay it out on a large table or floor then ties the three pieces togetter.