QUILT BASTING

Basting the quilt is THE most unglamourous part of quilting, in my opinion, but extremely important. Have you considered thread basting all or part of the quilt? Machine quilters usually think of pins, but if you have a very large top, thread basting can prevent quilting headaches. It decreases the weight and that in itself will prevent tension problems for the machine and muscle tension problems from moving all the weight. I use cotton thread that contrasts with the top. Use a zig zag stitch about 2 in long and as close as you feel comfortable with. Keep in mind you are basting, not quilting. You want to be able to pull the thread out easily when you need to so space it out similarly to pinning. Use a long or curved needle. It does take longer than pinning, but it gives you time to think and finalize your thoughts on quilting designs or your next project or what to fix for dinner. I usually listen to a book on tape and the time flies. It's a good thing.