Pin Basting the Quilt Layers

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Pin basting ensures that our layers won't shift or pucker while we're quilting. It also prevents lumps that might occur if we didn't baste. There are many ways to baste a quilt. But we're going to use the safety pin method for this lesson.

One important note about pin basting: Your fingers can get mighty sore. I learned this the hard way. To avoid this problem, try Collins Curved Basting Pins.They're made especially for quilters, and they're easier to open and close. I won't use anything else.

What You Need

Quilters' Curved Safety Pins

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Tips Before You Begin:


• Pin through all three layers.


• Place pins away from seam lines.


• Leave pins OPEN until you release the backing from the tape. That way, you can smooth out wrinkles as needed.

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Step 1

Work in rows toward the bottom half of the quilt. Pin evenly across the quilt top every 2".

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Step 2

Repeat for upper half of quilt.

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Step 3

Loosen masking tape and lift the quilt away from the table. Check the backing for wrinkles or folds. If everything looks smooth, close the safety pins and remove the tape. If not, smooth out backing and pin again.

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Here's a few more ways to baste a quilt:

• Quilt Basting Spray


• June Tailor Quilter's Basting Gun with 500 Fasteners


• Mountain Mist White Gold Fusible Cotton Batting

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Pin basting isn't so hard, is it? In case you're wondering, you'll remove the pins after you finish quilting. That's what you'll learn in our next lesson.

BACK: Arranging Quilt Layers

NEXT: Machine Quilting

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