Assembling a Quilt

This is my technique for layering a finished quilt. I found that trying to get all the layers to lie flat for pinning and/or basting was difficult.  I've made many quilts and have found this to be the best technique for keeping all the layers flat and taut for machine or hand quilting.

Step 1: Lay Out Backing Fabric

After sewing together your backing fabric, lay it down on a flat surface (right side down).  I used to use my dining room floor because it was the flat surface in my house that was large enough.  When we put in a new tile floor in my laundry room, I found an additional surface that works. Make sure the fabric is square with the floor. The tile blocks work well for this as do the lines on a hardwood floor.

Comments

[mcampbell15]

This is fantastic - I am going to be attempting an extremely simple quilt for my son but was scratching my had as to how to assemble it. Clear, concise and to the point!
Any thoughts on whether a 'walking' presser foot is necessary to quilting on a machine?

[eyevea]

I have found a walking foot to be very important. Otherwise the top layers move along at a different pace from the other layers and you don't get even quilting. It can be done without the walking foot, but you'll be very frustrated.

Thanks for the compliments on my technique. It works very well. Good luck with your project.

[SpinninJenny]

I just love the sheep pattern on this baby quilt! Can you tell me where to find the pattern? I've just become a great-grandma and Jamie's going to need a quilt this fall. I'm also a handspinner and we're all a little crazy for any design with sheep. The individual blocks would make great potholders for my spinner's guild Christmas gift exchange. Jennifer in GA

[eyevea]

Hi, Jenny, The quilt pattern is actually from More Quick Rotary Cutter Quilts Pam Bono Designs. It is a Leisure Arts publication. I think you can get it used on Amazon. The design is actually for a larger quilt and I adapted it for a baby quilt. Definitely a must-have for sheep lovers. Good luck.

[Sharon Mihulka]

I was just going to start looking for information on how to put a quilt together.  Thanks..

[eyevea]

Nice timing.  Good luck

[bambinosteps]

This is great Bette; thanks! Craft never ceases to amaze me with their timing of posts. Just yesterday I took advantage of a Memorial Day sale and bought fabric for my very first quilt! I've been searching for information on exactly how to go about making one, and this showed up on Twitter.

[eyevea]

Happy to help.  Let me know how you do.

[craftygeek]

thanks..will check this out when i get that far...I love the sheep pattern...ADORABLE!!!!

[eyevea]

The sheep quilt was a baby gift for a friend.  Thanks for the compliment

[1lenore]

This is great! I presume that after pinning, you untape and start quilting.  Any tips for untaping?  Do you trim the extra backing fabric off before quilting?

[eyevea]

Yes, I trim off the excess.  The tape just pulls off.  Be careful if you've taped it down to a wood floor, however.  It could take the finish off (best to test first)

[bekathwia]

Great technique!

[eyevea]

Thanks