Basting the 'Sandwich'

I'm going to answer before reading the other replies, in order to avoid being influenced. If you're going to machine quilt, basting with thread is usually not as good a method as the others, because the thread can get caught in the darning foot (for free motion work); and the needle might actually pierce the basting thread, making it difficult to remove later. However, thread basting is very nice for hand quilting -- though I tend not to do it anymore, since I hate to baste.

Spray basting has its fans, but I have a difficult time trusting it for anything except small quilts. In addition, you need to do it in a well-ventilated location and make provision for the overspray not to hit anything it might mess up.

I have used a basting gun with great success and like it very much. But it is best (IMHO) to put the tacks in as though they were pins; IOW push them down and bring them back up again before securing. That way there isn't as much "play" to allow shifting.

My favorite way is actually pin basting; I use it for both hand and machine quilting these days. I pin quite close (3"-4" apart maximum) and have no trouble with shifting. They're convenient to remove, and they're reusable (arguably better for the environment and less expensive in the long run).

HTH.

That's good to know, Pat! It would make basting with this method much faster than with the long tacks -- I usually go down and up again with those because of the length.

I do my quilting completely by hand, and don't use either a quilt frame or a hoop, so I do traditional basting with needle and thread. However, because I don't use frame or hoop, my basting is fairly "close". It's not fun to do, but my method is to put the dog outside, and then unroll a fairly large piece of vinyl flooring over the carpet in the center of the living room. I assemble the sandwich, and put cans of soup (or soda or whatever canned goods are handy) on top to hold it fairly still, and then pin it all over. I put the cans back in the pantry, take a break, and then get down on the floor and baste, from center outward.

Excellent tip for the basting guns! I had never thought about using them that way!

Personally I hate basting no matter which way it is done but after trying the basting gun, the spray, and saftey pins I'll have to say that I'll stick with the pins. Yes, they make for sore fingers and yes, they do sometimes get in the way but for me it seems to produce the best results in the shortest amount of time compared with other products. The spray is nice but as has been said you need a gas mask to use it inside and I do all of my work around my 22 month old daughter and I would prefer not to expose myself let alone her to those fumes.

BTW my last quilt had just over 1000 pins in it ;)

Have you tried sharpening those pins with a dart sharpener?

I've been using one to sharpen my newest grandaughter's diaper pins and it seems it would be good for sharpening those basting pins. Very little time involved, and the last quilt basting pins I bought were not all that sharp to start with.

Judie > I use safety pins, about an inch long in brass. And lots of them, about 4"

I use the spray. I let the quilt sit while the fumes dissipate, sometimes it only takes a couple of hours, sometimes it takes a day. I always manage to find a place outside (sometimes in the garage though) and it doesn't bother me a bit to have to wash an extra sheet or bedspread that keeps the overspray from damaging anything.

I have pin basted and hated having to take the pins out during my free motion quilting. I would never use thread, I don't hand sew at all.

Judie in WNY

Edward W. Thomps> Can I initiate some discussion on the preferred way to secure the

you don't mention spray basting, any reason why you avoid that?

Anne

I spray baste 99.9% of everything! I bought a basting gun from Keepsake Quilting, and I love it. I use it for miniature quilts, and small wall hangings. I have never found any holes from the tacks. I have used it on a large quilt, but my back starting hurting so I went back to the spray. I have never had it gunk up my sewing machine.

Sherry Starr

Polly Try a company called Cleaners Supply

I bought the #2 size pins (1 1/2")from them and they have been great. For $12.88 US you get 1440 pins. I thought that was pretty good compared to buying them at the quilt shop. I also buy their comforter bags to store extra quilts and blankets in. Keeps them (relatively) dog hair free. For the Canadians on the list they also have a Canadian outlet.

Marilyn in spring time Alberta, Canada

Thank you, Marilyn. Great place. Polly

I hope Marcella doesn't mind, but I thought I'd add my comments to hers.

Works very well, but takes time. If you have someone who can help, thread basting can be fun. Laughing while thread basting really makes the time fly by.

Hate them. They also cause sore fingers, pinning to carpeting if you pin baste on the floor, machine needle breakage if you accidentally run over one, and I've actually managed to cut myself with the point of the so-called "safety" pin as it slipped and sprung open unexpectedly. Thank goodness I've never had to pin a diaper on a child.

I've used it on small items and I'm not willing to try it on a quilt because I'd have to do it outside wearing a breathing mask while standing upwind of the spray fall-out. I won't even discuss my ability to become stickier than the quilt layers.

Love mine. I use a small pair of used to death non-pointy embroidery scissors to clip the tacks. The big drawback is having to buy the tacks because they are not re-usable. There is the possibility of pricking oneself with the point of the gun needle, but it's really no worse than doing the same while thread basting.

Haven't tried it. The only brand sold somewhat locally is one that I've read many bad reviews about. I'd rather spend money on a good batt and either thread or tack baste. Debra in VA See my quilts at

What a great response and certainly there is, as I would have guessed, a variety of opinions. I must admit I was somewhat surprised that pinning seems as popular as it appears. Not sure why I'm surprised, but likely influenced by the group I attend who all seem to vehemently anti-pinners! In fact the strong opinions of those I meet with prompted me to initiate the thread.

The use of 'fusible batting' seems an interesting approach but have rarely seen reference to the material. Perhaps it is not readily available in the UK (what's new?!) but having it sent over from the US isn't a problem fortunately. I must give it a shot.

I principally 'machine quilt' and am somewhat surprised to see many use pins without problems. I baste with thread and certainly relate to the problem of the basting getting snagged on the machine foot :-).

I guess there may be other contributions to come but in the meantime I'd like to thank all who have taken the time to respond. I would like to think this 'thread' has been useful and of interest to others. I certainly have learned a lot from your responses

I buy safety pins from

- they have silver pins for $11.50 per 10 gross (1,440 pins). I've had excellent service from them every time I've ordered from them.

I was one who said I usually use fusible batting, Edward, and I am in the UK! I buy Hobbs Fusible and I can get it at loads of places. I usually get it from Creative Grids, at Shows. But you can also get it from Cotton Patch, in Birmingham - and I'm sure many other places. It's definitely

*here* >g< . In message , Edward W. Thompson writes

I saw fusible batting yesterday when I ordered some things from Creative Grids (in UK). If you spend over £30 they give you a card so you can get

10% off future orders. I stocked up last year with their Silk and their Wool battings when they had the larger sizes on special offer. Haven't tried them yet but they feel fabulous, and everyone raves about them.

Creative Grids also have very low postage rates - £1.95 regardless within the UK, so I got 4 big battings in a giant box for just £1.95 postage. I think it is just mats that they charge more for. It makes it cheaper for me than going to my not very LQS and using expensive petrol and possibly a parking charge too.

NAYY - just a previously satisfied customer eagerly awaiting another order - more tacks for basting gun, a giant spool of grey thread, a

4.1/2 ruler, silk pins and some foundation paper which will go through the printer - all at 10% discount!

I read this after I'd done the 'big sell' for Creative Grids, Pat!

On Wed, 28 Mar 2007 12:27:23 -0500, Sandy Ellison wrote (in article ):

I pin baste for hand quilting as well. I do try to use my smaller safety pins when I'll be using a hoop, but in a pinch, anything I've got that is not in another quilt in progress will work.

Maureen

I had a good smile, reading your message, Sally! It is a super company; and their range, over the past few years, has expanded dramatically. Good for them. If service and supply breeds success, then more power to them. . In message , Sally Swindells writes

Thank you, Donna. I don't leave anything pinned long enough to worry about rust and the silver ones should be just fine. I'm thinking a half-sheet of formica - about 4' square - might be an excellent surface for topping the cutting table for pinning. Any thoughts? Polly