Why do some of my quilts have wrinkles on the back?

[Carolyn T.]

Sometimes I find that I have wrinkles on the back of my quilt. I am very careful when I make my quilt sandwich to NOT have any wrinkles but after hand quilting a project, there seams to be a few places that the material is not flat. I hand quilt my quilts. Can anyone give me a reason or a suggestion as to why this is happening. Thanks.

[Carolyn T.]

It might be that you're not stretching the backing enough when you baste. I have the best success when I pin it to the carpeting.

Or, you might be distorting things when you put it in the hoop (if you're using one). It's probably safest to adjust the hoop with the quilt flat on a table so you're sure you're not trapping a tuck.

Hope that helps!

[Carolyn T.]

Try PRIZE WINNING Sharon Shabmers' method of getting your sandwich ready for quilting.

She rolls each layer on long wooden boards (2x2 )after she irons or readies the various parts. This holds the fabric tight / taught. There are 6 boards each backing on it own set / batting on a set of boards and then the top.

She then baste the sandwich together with long basting threads unrolling the boards as she goes. The boards keep everything nice and tight to avoid wrinkles. This works good for machine quilting or hand quilting.

She has several videos on YOU tube and her web station showing her quilting methods.

[karen f.]

I second that idea. I used to get wrinkles but since I started using her method I don't.
Karen

[Margo C.]

Here is the link for Sharon Schamber's video about basting:

http://sharonschambernetwork.com/fre...ing/index.html

[Hannelore N.]

I'm lazy and I suffer from the chronic 'lack of time' syndrome (could have something to do with working fulltime). I also cannot shuffle around on my knees on the floor. My solution to the problem of how to baste large quilts: Get a longarmer to do it.

Lorchen

[karen f.]

That's the other reason I really like basting her way. I don't have to put it on the floor and crawl around it. Everything is up on the table.
Karen

[Judith T.]

I think Harriet Hargraves has a method using a table and clips that hold down tablecloths at picnics. Stretching the backing a tight as possible and then holding it down with the clips or tape really tight, then layering the batting and then the top. Pin from the middle out.
Although I have used both Sharon's and Harriet's method, sometimes I still get wrinkles. :cry: Judy in AZ

[Judy M.]

Making sure the backing is really taut while basting is really important, whether you baste it on the floor or tape the back to a table. The basting from the middle out is very important, too. Safety pinning or thread basting every two to three inches apart is critical. Also, make sure all wrinkles are out when you put it in a frame. Every time I move the quilt sandwich in a hoop I always check the underneath to make sure it's completely smooth--same in a larger frame. I've never had problems in 25 yrs. when I've followed the above. Judy in torrance

[Judy M.]

Somewhere I heard that it's best to start quilting in middle of your quilt and moving outward. Possibly, if you didn't, that could have prevented your wrinkling.

[Judy M.]

That's really interesting. The quilting group I'm working with at church is always struggeling with how to get our quilt basted so we can hand quilt it. We always dread that part. I don't know if Sharon's way would work but maybe if we took turns instead of all trying to all get around it and basing at the same time. I may just miss that day. lol
Charlotte

[Mary K.]

Here is the link for Sharon Schamber's video about basting:

http://sharonschambernetwork.com/fre...ing/index.html

Thanks for this suggestion, Margo! I watched the video on Saturday and went to Home Depot on Sunday to pick up a couple boards to use for the quilt I am about to baste. I am really looking forward to trying this method and not being on my hands and knees to baste!

[Mary K.]

I just watched the video too. I NEVER though to use starch on the backing, but it makes so much sense! I'm tired of crawling around on my hands and knees and poking my fingers with the safety pins. I think I'll definitely get some boards and try this meathod.

Nancy in Western NY where the snow is melting finally!

[Mary K.]

Sharon's method looks pretty simple and I'd like to try it. I don't have a table top large enough for the quilt top I'm working on. Is it necessary to have a table that is as large or larger than the quilt back? I'm wondering if it's alright if some of the top and/or back hang off the table as you are rolling them onto the boards? Does any know? Thanks Deb

[Mary K.]

I used Sharon's method on a lap-quilt & loved doing it, but added Ricky's idea using dissolving thread, since I'm a machine-quilter and I'll just drive right over them. It definitely beats crawling on the floor!

As for lenght of table, I think you definitely want your surface to be as wide as the quilt, but hanging off the back shouldn't be a problem. If you don't have a table long enough, maybe you have a long kitchen counter? Preferably a "peninsula". You'd lose the ability to sit & work, but it would be a comfortable height... And of course, there's always using tables in a church hall, library, meeting room, etc. It's a fairly quick method too... good luck, Florence