Unless you are planning to quilt your quilt on a long arm machine on a frame, you will need to take the time to baste your quilt beforehand. Let’s look at 3 ways you can baste your quilt.
How to Baste your Quilts
What is Basting?
Basting is how you secure all three quilt layers (top, batting, backing) to get ready for quilting.
During quilting, the layers of your quilt can shift. Basting helps keep the layers in place so you don’t sew tucks into your quilt, or your top does not shift off of your batting and backing.
Types of Basting
Thread Basting
The easiest way to baste your quilt is to lay out all three layers and baste with a thread and needle. A curved needle will make this process easier. Threads should be placed approximately 3” – 4” apart.
Thread basting can also be done by a long arm quilter. If you plan to hand quilt your quilt, this is a great way to get the basting done.
Pin Basting
An alternative to thread basting is pin basting. This is how I basted my quilts prior to owning a long arm. I used Dritz’ curved safety pins. Since they are curved, they pierce the quilting layers much easier.
I found the best way to pin baste my quilts was by basting on our queen size bed. Although I still had to bend over, it was much easier than doing it on the floor.
Spray Basting
I will be upfront and tell you that I have never spray basted a quilt. I have asthma and I would have to spray baste outside. I live in Canada, and doing so for at least half of the year is too cold.
Many quilters swear by 505 temporary fabric adhesive spray. If you choose to spray baste, make sure to spray in a well ventilated space.
Things to be Consider When Basting
When I used to pin baste my quilts, I would pin no further than 4” apart. This way, my layers would not shift as I machine quilted.
You may notice manufacturer guidance on the bag your batting came in. If you purchased off of the bolt, you can review the manufacturer’s website for more information on this.
My Final Thoughts
I hope you found value in How to Baste your Quilts. Basting is a necessary step in hand or home machine quilting your quilts.
If you should decide to outsource your quilting to a long arm quilter, you do not need to baste your quilt in advance. Simply hand your three quilt layers (top, batting, backing) to the quilter and they will take care of the rest.
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