Like it or not, basting is an integral part of the quilting process. Basting is the process of keeping together and in line the quilt top and backing while making the quilt. Whatever is used for basting is removed when the quilt is finished. There are a few common methods of basting which we’ll take a look at below. Let us begin.
One popular method of basting is using pins. Many quilters use pins for basting if they are making a smaller quilt or a quilt made with a quilting sewing machine. Queen sized quilts can require about 350 pins, making the process rather tedious, and the pins don’t get caught on the machine’s presser arm like stitching tends to. Some quilters avoid using pins for basting because they can rust over time, if it takes a long while to finish the quilt.
Another option is to stitch the basting in either by hand or using a quilting sewing machine. If by hand, use an thin upholstery needle and light thread color so that you can find it easily to remove it. Begin in the center of the quilt and make lines radiating horizontally, vertically, and diagonally outwards. From there, work at basting the quilt in grids. Before you know it, your quilt will be stitched with basting from end to end.
So when I said before that basting was an integral part of quilting, this doesn’t have to be the case. If you get a quilt frame such as a full size (also known as a stretcher frame) or a three roller frame, the need for basting is completely taken away. If you absolutely despise basting, be sure to add one of these frames to your wish list and make basting go away forever. Good luck with your quilting!
