How do you pin the layers?

I have to use pins to secure the layers for quilt stitching. Here's i pic of how I pin it all together then STID in the seams and will stipple or meander in the larger areas. Big sqs are 10x10, smaller sqs are 4x4 and sashing is 2". Any comments or tricks of the trade to using the pins? Other than it takes alot of pins (had to order 3 packs today from MSQC - boy are they a great asset!)

Please comment on your pinning theories/strategies or just....how do you do it's?

I probably would use less pins if it was me. But more can never hurt. I've completely given up on pinning my quilts now. I spray baste and I'm hooked for life! Just finished a twin sized quilt and I didn't use a single pin in it (Holy Henrietta, if you've seen my post from today).

I haven't used spray yet, and i do use a lot of pins, The more the better, as far as I'm concerned. Some day, I will try the spray. Looks like you have all bases covered with this many pins.

I think you are using way to many pins. Put in a pin, put your fist down next to it and put in another pin. They only need to be about a fist width apart.

I'm pinning mine right now and I just put my hand down and pin it that far apart. I bought a can of the 505 spray and I'm going to use it on something small so I can learn to use it.

I use the spray and pins and that works for me, I also think you have to many pins, I think you will get fustrated when you start to sew this because of all the pins and we don't want that, IMO.

I can't help you the pins, I use basting spray. I couldn't use pins all the time because my hands would hurt for the next week because of my arthritis. I love the basting spray!

It looks like you are doing fine. I believe you could cut down some on the number of pins you are using....but if they make you feel secure, by all means use as many as you need. You quilt is going to be beautiful...enjoy the process! Barb

I'm afraid to use spray because I have cats and I'm in a relatively small apartment with little or not outside space. So, I pin but not as many as you. If I am using 4-6 inch blocks, I use 1 pin per block. Bigger blocks I might use two pins.

Pam in Vegas

I have always heard that pins should be placed about a fist size apart. I pin 1 per square or every other one and catch the opposite sq in the next row. One pin in each block would be good enough. : )

Thanks everyone for your comments. I usually start by pinning farther away, and then when I get ready to do the top stitching..I will add more then..I pin alot of a certain area I am going to be working on. Then take them out as needed. I need them secure as I have to haul the quilt from the kitchen to my sewing room and it makes me feel it will all stay together better if I do that! But the pins are easy to take out so I satisfy my uneasiness with alot of them. I have done them where I hand basted the whole quilt and then STID, but that doesn't do any better than the pins... just don't have to deal with taking them out. Maybe one of these days I will take the chance and try the spray. But for now...I"ll stick with the pins nad take your comments to heart about the puckering issue of the backing