How to baste a quilt
Basting holds the three layers, backing, batting and top, together while you quilt them. Pinned every 4", a 60" × 72" throw takes about 238 safety pins.
The layers together are called the quilt sandwich. Lay them out on a clean floor or on two tables pushed together.
By Editorial Staff
Making the quilt sandwich
Press the backing and lay it wrong side up. Tape the edges to the floor or table every 8" or so, pulling it smooth and just taut, not stretched.
Smooth the batting over it, from the center out. Then lay the top right side up in the middle, with the backing and batting showing about 4" all around.
Pin through all three layers every 4", a fist-width apart, starting in the center and working out. Avoid pinning on the seams you plan to quilt along.
Spray baste instead: fold back half the top, spray the batting lightly with temporary basting spray, smooth the top down, and repeat. For hand quilting, baste with long running stitches in a 4" grid instead of pins, so the hoop can sit anywhere.
Safety pins for every bed size
| Size | Quilt | Pins every 4" |
|---|---|---|
| Crib | 45" × 60" | 154 |
| Throw | 60" × 72" | 238 |
| Twin | 70" × 90" | 374 |
| Full | 84" × 96" | 460 |
| Queen | 90" × 108" | 572 |
| King | 108" × 108" | 676 |
Curved basting pins, 1" or 1½", are easiest to close through three layers.
Plan your next quilt in your own fabric
Quiltspiration draws any pattern in the fabric you own and works out the cut list for any size.