Welcome! I thought this would be a fun topic for the next few weeks. We have all struggled with getting our quilt tops quilted. If you have access to a lot of long-arm quilters in your area you are so lucky! But many of us are in areas where there are not a lot of long-arm quilters available. That’s my problem. Scheduling in a quilt takes some time because the quilters are so busy, especially if they are really good at it! I reserve using my long-arm quilter for my large projects. So what do I do? I quilt anything that is under 48″ x 48″ on my home machine! That’s why I decided to talk about quilting smaller projects on your home machine. Now, you may not want to set your maximum quilt top size as high as mine and just stick with quilting tops that are smaller. That’s up to you. For those of you who are up to the challenge, this is the series for you. So let’s get started!
Preparing the Quilt Sandwich
To start, you need to make what is referred as a quilt “sandwich”. Funny name… but this is what quilters call it when you layer your quilt top with batting and backing. When doing this, I like to cut my backing and batting about 1-2″ larger on all sides than my quilt top (photo below). This guarantees that my whole quilt top will have coverage to the edges. If you cut the backing and batting exactly to the size of your quilt top, you could accidentally shift things while basting and/or quilting and end up with an area along the edge of your quilt that does not have batting and backing. Believe me, you don’t want to pick out machine quilting stitches!
**Extra Tips: If you are not going to quilt your own large quilt, confer with your long arm quilter on the amount of overlap of backing they prefer. I generally cut a backing 6″ larger on all 4 sides for a quilt that will go to my long arm quilter. And if you need to seam together fabric for your backing, be sure to iron the seam open and flat to relieve bulk (photo below). This is a backing tip I received from my long-arm quilter.
To prepare your quilt top to be “sandwiched”, make sure all your seams are all pressed flat, whether you press them to to the side or open. Flat seams make for a flat, less bulky quilt top for quilting. Also, remove any stray threads from the quilt top. Especially the ones that are in the seams. When you’re piecing a quilt top, threads often get caught in the seams (see below).
Moving on, make sure your backing is pressed and as wrinkle-free as possible. Find a large table and tape the backing, right side down, to the table top to keep it smooth and tight without stretching it out of shape. Start on one side and make your way to the other side while smoothing out the backing as you go. If you are lucky enough to have a large, hard floor space to do this, that works too.
Once the backing is secured, lay the batting on top, smoothing it out. Be careful not to wrinkle the backing below.
Now, center the quilt top on top of the batting. Smooth carefully so wrinkles are not created in the batting and you do not stretch the quilt top out of shape. Use a ruler to make sure you did not stretch it out of shape. Place the ruler on the corners to make sure they are still 90 degrees and not stretched.
The final step in the sandwiching of a quilt is to baste it together to hold everything in place. You can either do that with thread or with safety pins.
Thread Basting Method: You can use white thread and a long running basting stitch in a grid pattern. Space the stitching 4 to 6″ apart. Start in the center of the quilt sandwich and work your way out.
Since the stitches are long and widely spaced, you can clip and remove the basting from each section you are quilting as you go.
Pin Basting Method: This is the method I use. I pin 3 to 4″ apart, starting in the center of the quilt top and working out to make sure the quilt top remains smooth and flat. I also like to stagger the pinned rows. I like to use curved safety pins made specifically for quilt basting.
So that’s the quilt sandwich. Now you are ready to machine quilt your project. Next week, I will share tips on the quilting process and my mini video tutorial. My main goal with this post and next week’s installment is to make machine quilting on your home machine a bit less intimidating.
Comment or ask questions below. You will be entered into a drawing for my quilt pattern, Twinkle, Twinkle!
The drawing will be on Monday, April 18th so you have 2 weeks to enter! ***We have a winner! Congrats, Sharon M!***
Happy Quilting!
Deanne
Thank you for this topic. I have done some straight line quilting on small quilts but insecure about doing any other designs.
I also machine quilt my smaller projects. Usually just simple straight line quilting. I’ve tried free motion, but get frustrated with thread breaking and skipped stitches. Hoping you’ll have some tips for us about those issues 😊
I’ll cover some of those tips in next week’s post. Mostly the thread breakage and skipped stitches happen when you are moving your guiding hands on the top of the quilt faster than your machine is stitching. That can cause thread breakage too. It’s important to move the quilt at the same speed as your machine.
It does take practice. That’s why I like to practice on a scrap sandwich before I start my project. This helps me get the flow down.
I love the simplicity of the pattern, single color of each star and jazzy border.
I’ve thread and safety pin basted in the past and disliked both then I discovered spray basting. It was love at first spray. I’ve quilted as large as a twin size quilt but prefer smaller ones. I’m looking forward to your fmq tips.
I have trouble trying to control the bulk of the fabric sandwich under the arm of the sewing machine. I tried rolling it but. It’s hard to control. Need tips!
Hi! I’ll cover some of those tips in my post next week when I talk about quilting on the machine.
I quilt my smaller projects too. While quilting the project I wonder how a quilter can quilt a large project on a small sewing machine! My quilting is improving but slowly!
Thank you for this interesting topic. I have several pieces (9 or 10) of Christmas fabric given to me from my daughter in law’s grandmother, I’d like to combine in a wall hanging to gift back to her. What pattern do you suggest? Love your patterns!
I have a new Christmas wall hanging pattern here:
https://shop.snugglesquilts.com/collections/new-patterns/products/winterberry-glow-quilt-pattern
Also, this is another pattern of mine:
https://shop.snugglesquilts.com/collections/christmas-winter-quilt-patterns/products/christmas-wishes-quilt-pattern
Both of those patterns are wonderful and I love the fabric choices.
I think a touch of appliqué just completes them n
Both of those patterns are wonderful and I love the fabric choices.
I think a touch of appliqué just completes them.
Thank you for these tips. I look forward to the next tutorial.
I have used a temporary adhesive spray for holding my pieces together. I have never experienced any clogging of my needle or machine when using this.
Thank you for this topic. I free motion on my regular sewing machine as well. Quilting larger quilts take practice and patience.
Thanks so much for this review that was explained well in word and pics!
the extra tips were great, I always worry I am stretching to much! Practice and patience is definitely needed.
Great information. The last time I had a long-armer quilt for me she told me to lower my stitch length to 1.8-2.0 when piecing the backing, especially when the seam is pressed open to make sure the seam does not open when being put on the machine, or later when the quilt is in use. I do this all the time now when I am quilting my own quilts on my domestic.
That’s excellent advice from your long-armer. That’s why I always talk to them about what they want.
Thanks for sharing that advice Nancy!
Thank you for sharing all of your quilting tips. Your written instructions combined with the photos are most helpful.
Oh, I need these tips! Machine quilting is my weakest quilting area! Thank you!
Your timing is perfect, I have been putting off machine quilting a small wall hanging out of fear…. Thank you SO much! Beautiful little pieces…
I recently saw one of your videos where you were free quilting with those special gloves on, I was amazed, it looked like it was done by one of those huge fancy expensive machines. It is something I would like to learn how to do. I am just starting to quilt, I’ve been sewing since I was about 8 or 9, but have never mastered quilting. I LOVE the combination of appliqué & quilting, I am so thrilled I found your website/Facebook/blogs/books they have taught me so much already. You do fabulous work!
Thank you. Very helpful!
It seems that no matter how hard I try, I just can’t keep my backing from getting bunched up in the back when I use my sewing machine to quilt. I have tried basting, safety pins, and using spray adhesive. I also struggle with keeping a consistent stitch if I roll up the side to fit into the throat of my machine. It always looks easy when I watch a video, but far from it when I try.
Oh my! I do need help and inspiration on quilting my own. Thanks for any tips!!!!
Very helpful tips. Thank you.
Thanks for your tutorial. You are very generous..
Love your work! On small projects I’ve only attempted straight line quilting with walking foot.
Thank you for the information and all the great pictures, it was easy to understand. I look forward to the video and more tips. I would love to try and quilt one of my smaller projects.
Looking forward to your tips. The finishing is daunting at times. Had several great longarm quilters in the area “ close shop” with the economic times so relying more on myself! That is scary in itself!! 😉
Thanks, Deanne. Your tips and pictures are always so helpful.
Thank you. I learned all this the hard way as there are no quilting classes in my rural area. I love doing small quilts too! However your top about having the batting six inches around larger quilts helps me immensely. I quilt all my quilts on my sewing machine and have fun into this problem with the batting! Larger queen size are pretty difficult on my sewing machine but can be done with a lot of patience. I pin every six inches but with your top will do more. With larger quilts the pins get stuck sometimes. Not easy, I would rather hand quilt larger quilts but it takes a long time. Thank you so much for your tips I will be using them immediately!
I have really wanted to try this but just don’t feel confident about it. I can’t wait to see the videos and love the tips so far. I better try a sample piece first.
When I pin baste a quilt, I use a grapefruit spoon to lift the point of the pin to make it easier to close above the thickness of the quilt.
I haven’t been brave enough to try this yet! Looking forward to your video!
I LOVE the pattern of the quilt you using for demonstration. I am looking forward to seeing how you choose your quilting pattern. I’m completely self taught so am excited to get some tips from a real pro.
Thank you for the tips and the visuals.
I use my Featherweight to stitch in the ditch for quilting small projects.
Perfect timing, I’m making quilts for windows and wanted to quilt them. Thanks for the advice
Great topic! I look forward to your upcoming video on machine quilting tips.
I have thought of trying to quilt my small projects but haven’t been brave enough to try!
Very helpful tips
Very good description of preparing the quilt for quilting. Looking forward to the nest instructions!!
Thanks for this tutorial ….this is definitely a learning curve that I hope to manage successfully.
Thank you for doing this tutorial!
I look forward to your tips on quilting small quilts!
I also like basting spray. Thanks for the tips on keeping machine and movement the same. I need to practice.
Thank you for covering this topic. I have machine quilted several quilts. Mostly, crib to wall size, stippling or cross-hatch. I am always looking for new tips and guidance. I have never done any ruler work.
Great topic! I machine quilt my smaller quilts but always learn some new tips from you!
I’m looking forward to the next installment. I do like using my walking foot to quilt my small projects but very limited in designs. I have branched out to trying free motion but struggle with eyelash curves and more. Thanks for you help.
To avoid the eyelash curves, make sure you are not moving your quilt top faster than your machine is running.
Thanks for the tips. I do quilt many small quilts on my regular machine. Can’t wait to see some of your techniques.
Thank you! Very informative article. Now I will better about attempting this.
Thank you for this information!
I always look forward to your posts…great hints! Thank you for all you share❤️
Pretty pattern. Good tips.
I’ve done straight quilting, but am nervous about doing anything else. What do you do if the quilt is not square (and should be)?
Thank you!
I recommend laying out the quilt carefully and smoothing it down. The ruler trick is mostly to make sure you don’t stretch it out of shape as you are smoothing it. If your quilt is not completely square, that’s OK. I just don’t want you to stretch it out of shape when making the sandwich.
I’m determined to learn how to free motion and straight line quilting. We are fortunate to have some wonderful long arm quilters in my area, but would like to be able to quilt my own wall hanging. Looking forward to your help !
Thank you for this tutorial.
I’ve pieced several baby quilt tops. These are to be my practice pieces. I’ve got questions on directional sewing , i.e. back and forth or only from one side-left to right. I’ve read different articles stating different things. Looking forward to your helpful hints.
Do you ever use spray or powder baste?
I used spray baste on a quilt earlier this year for the first time and I liked it. I may use it more often on some of my bigger projects.
I am interested in learning how to choose the best quilting pattern or motif to use. Also would like to know best way to mark a quilt for quilting or is it all free motion?
If I mark my quilts, I like to use the Sewline pencil that gives you a light chalk mark that’s easily erased. Most of my machine quilting is free motion though. In my post next week, I do give some design ideas.
Thanks for the tips. Looking forward to the next tutorial. I have quilted small projects. I used either straight line quilting or stitching in the ditch. I would like to get more info on machine quilting. Can’t wait for next week. Thanks again.
Thank you for sharing your tips on machine quilting. I have tried a few straight line designs with a walking foot and curvy decorative stitches. Looking fwd to your next post and being brave enough to try free motion again.
I do quilt on the machine for my mini quilts, but only straight line patterns. Funny thing, I ran into an old practice free motion block that I did when I first started quilting and suddenly it didn’t look so bad. I think I am my own worst critic! I should try it again.
I love your designs and your work is so perfect! Thanks for the great tips; I look forward to your posts.
I have quilted small quilts using straight line and stipple with mixed results. Looking forward to your video. Hopefully I will be able to prefect my technique with your tips.
I look forward to learning any tips you have on machine quilting smaller tops. This is a great topic to address. We can all use a bit more knowledge and courage when it comes to finishing our own quilt tops.
Thanks for the tutorial, can’t wait for more information. I am getting a new grand baby and am sewing a blanket and would like to quilt it myself. This is perfect timing.
I would like to quilt more of my small quilts but have had difficulties in the past with uneven stitches or skipped stitches. How can I resolve these issues? I will also add that I use my walking foot and increase my stitch length which was recommended by the seller of my sewing machine.
I mostly like stitching in the ditch on these small projects and almost always press my seams open to prevent unnecessary bulk.
Your suggestions are appreciated. Thanks for all of your tutorials. I always find something to glean from them each week.
Hi! Most of the time, uneven or skipped stitches comes from not moving your quilt top at the same speed as your machine. It takes practice to move them at the same speed. I suggest using a scrap quilt sandwich and practicing on that to get the movement down before moving onto your quilt top.
I’m looking forward to seeing all the tips. I inherited some UFOs from my husband’s aunt. She was fond of making wall hangings. Hopefully, I can come close to her excellent work.
Thank you for the informative article about sandwiching the quilts. I had a professional quilter quilt my quilts I would like to do it myself someday. Can’t wait for the nest article.
I especially glad to get the tip about taping down the backing. I’ve never done this and once had a backing that bunted up on me. I had the entire sandwich made before I realized it. From now on, I’ll have a roll of frog tape handy!
I look forward to this tutorial. I would love to quilt my own small projects. Thanks for doing this tutorial.
I recently purchased a new sewing machine so that I could quilt some of my quilt tops. Your tutorial will be a welcomed help to me. Thank you.
I’ve quilted many small projects but am urgently quilting my largest quilt to date on my domestic…straight lines all the way because FMQ intimidates me! Looking forward to any tips/tricks/tutorials you may have in the future.
PS that would be currently…not urgently 🙄😂