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Thread: backing

  1. #1
    Grace38 is offline Senior Member
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    Default backing

    Hi everyone

    When putting the backing on how do you get it to lay smooth. After I put the top then the middle and then the backing I smooth everything then use the pins I turn it over and it seems to be wrinkled. What am I doing wrong?

    Grace

  2. #2
    Jean Sewing Machine's Avatar Jean Sewing Machine is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: backing

    Is there any way you can clamp your backing to something while you put the batting and top on? I had the very same problem until I started clamping everything as I made the sandwich. I have two cutting tables that I put together to center and clamp each piece of fabric, batting and quilt top. I use small carpenters clamps in the corners, centers and small clps all around the edges. This takes out all the wrinkles and makes things pretty flat. There is a YouTube video about this where the instructor uses a thin sheet of plywood over a regular table to do the same thing. She uses those binder clips from the office supply store to secure hers. You can have part of the sandwich hanging over the edge, just pin (or spray, although I've never used spray) the whole middle, then unclamp it and pin the edges. I mostly make queen size quilts and it has worked well for me. Good luck!

  3. #3
    Grace38 is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: backing

    Thank you will try to use the clamps

  4. #4
    tortugaquilter's Avatar tortugaquilter is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: backing

    If you don't have a table that will work and are laying everything out on carpet, you can use T-Pins. I use a table with clamps for my full size down quilts, but bigger quilts go on the floor. I lay out the backing and use T-Pins to pin it flat onto the carpet, then the batting is T-Pinned, and the top is T-Pinned until I am done sandwiching with the safety pins. You just have to make sure you get your safety pins all the way through without pinning it all to the carpet.
    Tortugaquilter

  5. #5
    phoots's Avatar phoots is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: backing

    Grace, that was a great question because I have the same problem! I don't have a large enough table and my living room floor is carpeted. Honestly, I had been embarrassed to ask.

    Pam in Vegas

  6. #6
    Laura F's Avatar Laura F is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: backing

    When I have a bigger quilt to sandwich then floor space, design wall, or table top allows... I take it to our church and use three or four folding tables. I also use blue painters tape to secure my backing to the table and that seems to work either for me to spray or pin the rest. if you can use folding tables, that will help. I've also taken my quilts to my school and used the lunch tables,clean of course :-), to sandwich my quilt.

  7. #7
    tlewis10 is offline Junior Member
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    Default Re: backing

    I lay a large flannel sheet on the carpet and lay my backing on that. The flannel "grabs" the backing and it seems to stay really smooth. I use spray batting and never have had a problem with it. I don't make really big quilts though...twin sized is about the largest I can handle! : )

  8. #8
    Alana's Avatar Alana is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: backing

    Painter's tape it to either table tops or hardwood floor. I have two large banquet tables put together. Getting down on the floor just doesn't work for me anymore. These old knees can't manage that. I put two tables together and tape the edges down on my backing, add the backing and tape it too. Then the top and tape it as well. Pin away!
    I now use the spray basting which is like the most wonderful thing ever! Spray the backing, lay it out smooth. Spray the top reverse side, of course. Place the batting down on the backing and smooth it out. Then place the top on the batting and smooth it out. ....no pins!!! and it's repositionable.
    Alana
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  9. #9
    Grace38 is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: backing

    Thanks again. You quilters are great. I wish some you quilters lived in the West Chester, Pa area so we could get together.
    I have only been making table runners. I just finished a table topper. It is called center stage I got the pattern from Pieced Tree.
    I can't put it together because I am out of batting. Hopefully I will go to Joannes tomorrow. I have ordered batting fron Nancy's Notions that I really.

    Thanks again

    Grace

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