Basting a Large Quilt

by Sally
(Fairhope, Alabama)

Why, oh why do I have such a terrible time putting my queen-sized quilt layers together? I try to get down on hands and knees to baste it, but after doing 2 or 3 horizontal and vertical lines, the layers are no longer smooth. I am tired of scooting from one side to the other.

I have tried using a spray like "505" but I wind up with gummy spots in places. I do not have a table large enough for a queen-sized quilt and all the books I have read tell the quilter to baste every 6" to 8" apart.

I love doing hand quilting, but none of the projects I have completed look as smooth and professional as I would like. Do you have any suggestions?

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ANSWER

Here's a couple ideas for basting a large quilt:

1. Call your local quilt shop to see if they have a basting frame. Most shops will let you use it if they're not conducting classes.
   
   
2. Hire a long-arm machine quilter to baste your quilt layers.
   
   
3. Get handy tips from quilting forums:

Basting a large quilt can be cumbersome, but hopefully these tips will ease your journey.


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