Basting Your Quilt Project

Quilt basting the layers of your quilt project with safety pins is a good idea, especially if you plan to do any easy machine quilting.

There are at least a few methods for basting the quilt layers (quilt top, batting and backing). Basting by hand with a running stitch is one option. quilt basting with safety pins is another.

Whichever method you choose for basting or fastening your quilt layers together in preparation for your easy machine quilting, there are a few steps you will need to complete.

Prepare the layers - quilt top, batting and backing.
Make sure the batting and backing are a few inches bigger than the quilt top.
Be sure the quilt top and backing have been pressed.

Find a comfortable place to work.
A table or bed will be more comfortable than the floor.

Assemble the layers of the quilt together.
First place the backing, wrong side up, then the batting.
Finally, place the quilt top right side up.
Make sure all the layers are straight and lay flat.

quilt basting with safety pins instead of stitching is a good alternative. The safety pins are inexpensive and can be used over and over again. The pins must be rust proof and tarnish proof. Select brass or nickel plated pins. A bed sized quilt project could take 500 pins. So be sure to buy plenty. It would not be a good thing to run out in the middle of basting the quilt layers.

You can also purchase a special tool at your local quilt shop to help you close the safety pins. Sometime this can speed the basting process and save your fingers from soreness.

Beginning at one end of your quilting project, insert safety pins along the edge about 3” to 6” apart keeping both hands on top of the quilt project. You can let the design of the quilt top help you to position the pins. Pin holes will show less on if the pins are placed in the printed fabric (not solid fabric).

Leave the pins open if you want to use the tool to help you close them.

After pinning a row or section, go back and close all the pins by hand or using the tool of your choice.

Continue basting across the quilt until the entire quilting project has been pinned with the safety pins.

Complete the basting by folding the backing and batting over the edge of the quilt top and pinning them in place.

Once your quilt is successfully basted, you can fold it or carry it around without concerns of the layers shifting. The quilt can be displayed while your quilting work is in progress whether it takes you a few weeks or a little longer to complete your quilting project.

Remove the basting safety pins as you do your easy machine quilting.

Go to Basic Quilting Instructions from Quilt Basting Your Quilt Project