Layering the Quilt

It is time to put it all together with layering the quilt.

Now that you have completed your quilt top, we can continue our basic quilting instructions and learn how to finish a quilt by putting it all together layering the quilt forming the quilt sandwich. You can return to Basic Piecing Instructions if you need to at any time.

Prepare the backing by sewing any seams together to make a piece large enough for the quilt. Some say it is best to measure the batting and backing to be one inch larger than the finished size all around. Others say to allow 3 to 4” all the way around. Either way, the extra will be trimmed off later.

Bed sheets can be used for the quilt backing in some cases, but remember that since they have a high thread count, the sheet makes it more difficult to hand quilt. Flannel is a good backing for baby quilts and juvenile quilts, since the nap makes it stick to the bed.

Layering and basting needs to be done on a hard surface, either a large table or the floor.

1. Place the backing wrong side up on the surface (the floor).

2. Place the batting on the backing. Do not stretch or distort it. It may need to be straightened or patted down some.

3. Lay the pressed quilt top right side up onto the batting. Keep the quilt top centered on the sandwich (batting and backing). Smooth it out.

4. Basting can be done with safety pins or thread. To safety pin baste, start at the center and pin about every 8 to 10 inches. To baste with a thread, use a large embroidery needle and single thread knotted at one end. Start in the center, taking large stitches out to the sides. Knot the thread a the end. Go back to the center each time.

Stitching a design on your completed quilt sandwich is what makes a quilt a quilt. The pattern can be as simple as a crosshatch grid or as complex as the basket weave. Weaving patterns and stitching in the ditch are popular patterns to use. Many quilts mix and match a variety of quilt patterns.

Now it is time to do your actual quilting. Choosing to quilt by machine or by hand is determined by personal preference, time and the availability of a machine. Either method works very well for most quilts. If you choose to machine quilt, it is a good idea to do a practice test on layered fabric to make sure your machine is in working order.

For our nine patch block pattern project, we will be doing easy machine quilting.

You can have lots of fun with easy machine quilting.

Return to Basic Quilting Instructions from Layering the Quilt
Go to Quilting Seam Allowance from Layering the Quilt