Positively is Ready for Quilting! --A Tutorial

Goal number two on my February list was to document layering and basting the Positively top. Goal number three on my February list was to write a tutorial about layering and basting a top. I can do both in this post! 

Plastic picnic cloth clips

First, I use plastic clips that are used on an outdoor picnic table to hold a tablecloth in place. I've had these for many years. I bought all that were at the store. Since it was fall, the product was deeply discounted. Depending on the depth of the table, binder clips might be an option.

Apply some tension

I press the backing to remove any lumps or bumps. The smoother the backing, the less chance for tucks later. I lay the backing on the table right side down. I use the clips to hold the backing to the table. I apply a little bit of pressure to the backing to add some tension.

Backing secured to the table

If the backing isn't large enough to hang over the side, I'll use painter's tape to hold the back to the table. If the backing is larger than the table, I let the extra hang off to one side and/or off one end. In the photo above, the extra fabric is hanging off the left side and the bottom of the project.

Batting smoothed into place

Next, I lay the batting on the backing. Any extra is placed on the same side as the extra backing. If the batting has scrim, I place that side next to the backing. I gently pat and smooth the batting. I don't worry that the batting is going to shift. The fibers in the batting make it act a bit "sticky."

Loose thread removal

The last layer is the top. First, I clip all the loose threads. If there is a light area on the top, I wouldn't want a dark thread showing beneath the top. This clipping takes time; but, it is worth the effort. Next, I press the top well for the same reason I pressed the backing.

Positioning the top

I gently placed the top on the batting. I pat and smooth the top in place. I will lay a ruler along a straight area. In this case, that area was the stem. I try to keep the lines straight. I pin baste about every four inches. The pins I use are size number two. The pins sit in a plastic cover that makes it easier on my fingers to open and close the pins. I also have a lot of pins without covers so when I use all the pins with covers, I use the plain pins. They all work!

More checking on positioning

I work slowly and methodically. one section at a time. Once I have the pins in place I close them. I use a tool called a Kwik Clip. The tool makes it easier on my fingers for closing the pins. A grapefruit spoon will work too. 

The view half way through sliding the 
pinned area to one side of the table

When the initial area is pinned, I release the plastic clips. Then I scoot the entire project to the edge of the table and repeat the process. Again, I smooth the back. It is important to ensure that the backing is smooth as it is easy to have a wrinkle in the fabric. I still add a bit of tension to the backing. I use a plastic clip to hold the fabric in place. This time, the weight of the project on the overhang side of the table will hold the project in place.

Replacing the plastic clamps

Next, I smooth the batting in place, I move the clamps to include the backing and the batting. In the photo above you can see that the extra fabric is at the foot of the table. I pat and smooth the top into place. I add more pins. I do like to pin close to the outer edge of the project.

Checking the back for wrinkles/tucks

Once all the pins are in and closed, I remove the clamps. I turn it over and make sure that there aren't any wrinkles in the backing. If there are wrinkles, I remove the pins and start again with smoothing the backing, clamping, then the batting and clamping before patting the top into place.

Trimming the extra batting and backing

Then, I trim the extra batting and backing so that it is about an inch larger than the top. Trimming helps me have fewer instances of catching the extra fabric during the quilting process.

Finished pin basting

I often take a photo of the project when it is pin basted and trimmed. Now my Positively quilt is ready for quilting. I will stitch in the ditch first and go from there. . .AFTER, I finish a couple other projects. While I have a destination in mind for this quilt, there is no deadline as to when it needs to be finished.