I think I am ready to sandwich which scares me!

[rmichels20]

So, my top is done, my backing is together, I just need to cut down the batting and backing because right now they are waaay bigger than the top. I am going to attempt to stitch in the ditch, how much batting and backing would you recommend I have beyond my top? Thanks!!

[JCY]

The backing & batting needs to extend beyond your quilt top at least 3-4" on all 4 sides. I lay my backing down on the carpet & use quilt pins to fasten it down after smoothing out the fabric. Then lay the batting & quilt top over the backing. Smooth it all out. Start in the center & work out in all directions to pin baste it together. JCY

[Vonnie]

I do the same except I use 505 basting spray.

I'm working now on a quilt that I started to do the stitch in the ditch and it looked terrible - could not keep it in the ditch. So, I'm using the serpentine stitch - a long wavy line going over the seam. Looks so much better and I don't have to worry about keeping the stitching line even, I just aim the seam through the center of the walking foot.

[HdWench]

Good luck getting it done now! Yeah for you :-) Yep like said... you got to leave extra for "shifting" during quilting If you spray baste, I still leave a good 4" of extra... Easier to cut it down after, then have to cut your quilt funny cuz it moved!!

Good idea Vonnie!! I can't hit a ditch so I gave that up long ago and do concentric circle quilting or just quilt squares. hmm Maybe have to give just a wiggly stitch a try, sounds easier and you don't have to worry about that stupid Ditch!

:-Debbie

[HandsomeRyan]

Another vote for basting spray! I didn't use it on my first quilts but once I discovered how wonderful it is I'll never go back. It is messy so mask off your floor or wherever you use it but it is so much better than using a million pins.

We usually trim the batting to be a few inches bigger than the front then spray baste it to the backing which is taped to the floor. Then we add the top and trim to be 2-3" oversized. You can do more than that or less but I have found on full sized quilts that 2-3" all around is a very comfortable amount of extra. If I'm doing a table runner or other small project I usually only leave an inch or so.

I do a lot of SITD'ing and while it is never perfect, no one but you is going to notice if you are a little off.

Good luck! Nothing feels better than completing your first quilt. For me the quilting was scary but the binding was scarier. Just take your time and it'll look great! Oh, and post pictures. We love pictures!

[rmichels20]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions but most of all for the encouragement. I am hoping to get some time tomorrow to work on it!! Will post pictures when done!

[Beakkmom]

I too am an advocate of spray adhesive, it eliminates the pins and for me, means less time on myhands and knees on the floor. Finishing your first quilt is such a tremendous milestone inyour life as a quilter! You are almost done!

[New York Sue]

Another vote for basting spray! I didn't use it on my first quilts but once I discovered how wonderful it is I'll never go back. It is messy so mask off your floor or wherever you use it but it is so much better than using a million pins.

We usually trim the batting to be a few inches bigger than the front then spray baste it to the backing which is taped to the floor. Then we add the top and trim to be 2-3" oversized. You can do more than that or less but I have found on full sized quilts that 2-3" all around is a very comfortable amount of extra. If I'm doing a table runner or other small project I usually only leave an inch or so.

I do a lot of SITD'ing and while it is never perfect, no one but you is going to notice if you are a little off.

Good luck! Nothing feels better than completing your first quilt. For me the quilting was scary but the binding was scarier. Just take your time and it'll look great! Oh, and post pictures. We love pictures!

I do the same. I extend the batting about 1" from the top, and the backing about 2-3".
I'm a huge fan of spray baste, as well.
But IMHO, quilting along a seam, at a quarter of an inch is a lot more forgiving than SITD. If joined blocks are a 'tad' off, make up the difference gradually..
I'm still taking baby steps, but I'll get there.
My best to you, Vonnie!
This is a 'new to me' technique, but I'm a FAN!

[MRoy]

I do the same except I use 505 basting spray.

I'm working now on a quilt that I started to do the stitch in the ditch and it looked terrible - could not keep it in the ditch. So, I'm using the serpentine stitch - a long wavy line going over the seam. Looks so much better and I don't have to worry about keeping the stitching line even, I just aim the seam through the center of the walking foot.

I used the serpentine stitch instead of SITD on a baby quilt and it was so much easier, faster, and a whole lot less stress!

[BellasQuilts]

No spray for me, just pins. Maybe I don't use it right but it is hard to manage and keep wrinkles out.