Hi everyone
I need some tips on how to improve my machine quilting. Here are a few tidbits of information first that limit things a bit.
I don't have a very large area, basically a desk area, so things are bunched up a bit. If I really, really had to, I could temporarily move to the kitchen table. Whether on my desk or the table, I usually use my clear machine table extension. This gives me a larger flatter area whether I use my quilting gloves or the lay-on-top quilting "hoop". I pin my backing out on the carpet, taut, not tight, and likewise the other layers. I pin a lot, but could probably pin more.
Now for the problem. When I go to quilt, whether stipple, or in-the-ditch, or other design, I can't seem to keep the layers somewhat taut so that I have no puckers on the back, or between sections. I basically need to stipple in the squares on my baltimore, and then do something different in the sashing. Obviously it will be done in sections, but I've always had problems when it comes time to do the sashing. It looks good on the front, but too much fabric in the sashing areas on the back. Puckers and lots of them.
How to I keep it all taut across the width as I quilt along? I don't use a very thick batting since these will more than likely hung on the wall, so thickness isn't really a problem. I know that I'm probably missing something, but on this quilt I really want to do my very best.
Thanks for all your input.
Steven Alaska