How to baste a very large quilt on a small table

Last year I took part in Sugaridoo's Bernina Quiltalong. Which was a lot of fun, but now I've got to baste that enormous quilt, and I've only got a small space to quilt it in. So here's a wee tutorial on how I managed it.
The Sugaridoo Bernina Quiltalong: • HUGE BERNINA GIVEAWAY!...
If you'd like to see another version of this basting technique, Brenda from Conquering Mount Scrapmore recently posted a video where she uses a very similar method: • How to Pin Basting a C...
_______________________________________________
Music: 'Fresh Fallen Snow' by Chris Haugen (KZbin audio library, attribution not required)
Title sequence created by Katherine Breed: / channel

[@cheyneycaddy5487]

You are an absolute genius, this is my exact problem solved with a couple of skewers and some sticky tape. It’s also so wonderful to see another enby person quilting, so thanks for the representation. 🎉

[@FutureCatNZ]

Glad it was useful! (And to meet another enby quilter - we're few and far between!)

[@wendymuston5274]

Quick and concise instructions. Thank you.

[@FutureCatNZ]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful

[@melbournedeb7836]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!! Exactly what needed to know!

[@FutureCatNZ]

Glad it was helpful!

[@karengray2650]

I think it’s actually easier to baste on a small table like you demonstrated because my short arms can reach across the table easily. Good demonstration thank you

[@FutureCatNZ]

True! If my table was any bigger I wouldn't be able to reach across it :-)

[@CopycatQuilter]

I have a friend with a longarm and she’s nice enough to let me baste my quilts on her machine. Nice video!💚

[@FutureCatNZ]

I'm jealous! I'd love to have access to a long arm, but for now I'll just have to baste the hard way 😅

[@marionbarber984]

Hi! The skewers was a great idea! I may have to try that. The largest quilt I made was queen size. I took it to our church basement, put two long and wide tables together. My mother helped in this project. I used basting spray and only used it a couple more times. I prefer safety pins. I have a folding craft table which works well. I also use the large binder clips. One tool that is really handy for closing and opening safety pins is called a "Kwik Klip". Saves my fingers. I've watched Sugar-ree-do also. Modern quilts. Take dare. Marion in Oregon.

[@FutureCatNZ]

Thanks, I'll have to look out for that Kwik Klip tool - my fingers are always so sore by the end of basting a big quilt!

[@quailhollow7955]

Thank you so much! ❤. This was really helpful.

[@FutureCatNZ]

Thanks! I'm so glad it was helpful for you!

[@paulablake6729]

Great and useful suggestions especially using chopsticks.

[@FutureCatNZ]

Glad it was helpful!

[@conqueringmountscrapmorewi2509]

Such a beautiful quilt. Great explanation of quilting in a small space! Awesome! Thanks fo posting!

[@FutureCatNZ]

Thanks!

[@jrefrosefros5952]

Wonderful idea!!

[@FutureCatNZ]

Thanks!

[@martinaritrovato3261]

Thank you so much for this great video, I have the same happening to me at this very moment 😂 so I will give it a try. Thanks again

[@FutureCatNZ]

Good luck! I hope it works for you

[@coressaclark6354]

Great Advice. Thanks

[@FutureCatNZ]

Glad you found it useful!

[@missmike007]

Brilliant idea!

[@FutureCatNZ]

Thanks!

[@lisah2208]

Thanks for sharing your how you use the skewers to square up the quilt layers. I’ve been quilting for many years and have never seen this done before. I’ll be trying it out when I next need to layer and baste. Such a common sense way of squaring up. I’m so please YT recommended your video to me. Cheers 😀👋🇦🇺

[@FutureCatNZ]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@repelsteeltje38]

What a great idea! To be honest, I think it's even easier than on a bigger table. At least for me, a shorter person with not so long arms. Yes, I will give it a try when I'm finished my top. Thanks for the idea!

[@FutureCatNZ]

Glad you found the video useful! Let me know how it works out for you.

[@janetwhiteman171]

This was the most helpful video I have ever seen for basting in a small space. Thank you !

[@FutureCatNZ]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mishkalarsoncreations]

This is the best idea I have ever seen. Because most of the time when I see instructions for sandwiching a quilt in a small space, the people really have no idea what a small space is lol. I see your space and reminds me of my own that I also share with two cats ha ha

[@FutureCatNZ]

Glad it was helpful! I've often thought the same about some of the people who say their spaces are small :-)

[@elizabethmullhall8226]

I love this quilt and your idea for adding width. Your very clear demo on quilting on a small table certainly gave me the kick in the pants I needed to get my grand daughter's quilt basted and finished. Thank you so much for sharing and sending you greetings from Ireland 👍❤️

[@FutureCatNZ]

Thanks - glad it was helpful!

[@StitchandBearTime]

Such a great video! I hurt my back 1 year ago and am no longer able to baste on the floor anymore. So glad to find your video and learned another way that feels doable for me. Thank you!

[@FutureCatNZ]

Thanks! So glad I've helped you find a basting method that will be easier on your back.

[@trevorbromley-palmer]

I loved that only having a small space didn’t stop you from working on a big quilt. 👏🏻

[@FutureCatNZ]

It was an interesting challenge figuring out how to do it!

[@Retrochild67]

Those skewers at 90 degrees are genius!!!

[@FutureCatNZ]

Thanks! I can't remember where I got the idea from, but it makes lining up the layers so much easier.

[@cindyandersoneller5460]

Love your colors

[@FutureCatNZ]

Thanks!

[@yayapatg3381]

Thank you!

[@FutureCatNZ]

You're welcome!

[@isobelgreer7693]

Great information.

[@FutureCatNZ]

Thanks!

[@ashleyyoung2459]

Thank you! I usually spray baste but I don’t have an outdoor space anymore so I’m pin basting for the first time in years 🙃 this is also the first quilt I’m making and keeping for myself. It is going on my bed and it is roughly 90x108 😅 wish me luck! I appreciate the tip to use the skewers!

[@FutureCatNZ]

Isn't it funny how we make so many quilts, but we almost never keep them for ourselves! I hope your quilt keeps you warm and cosy.

[@markwilliams1824]

Love this idea! I’ve got a similar size table n have lots of issues keeping it squared right! Great hack! Thanks 🙏🏼🧡🌈🐻

[@FutureCatNZ]

Glad it was helpful!

[@marilynbishop6684]

I did it! First I had to take out all the punning and tacking from a quilt that wouldn’t lay flat. Ironed all layers - again! Using your tip with the clips I managed to tame the beast. Thank you for the video, glad I found it. Quilters in Christchurch can use the large tables on the top floor of the city library - Turanga. Lovely space…just need to wrestle quilt top, batting and backing across the city! Lovely to hear Te Reo.

[@FutureCatNZ]

Well done! And thanks for the tip about Tūranga!

[@jillpiggott2017]

I like the skewers & clamps. You made me brave! I'm going to give it a go myself. You created a beautiful quilt top. What a lovely gift.

[@FutureCatNZ]

Glad I've inspired you!

[@bumblebaa2327]

thank youuuu! that looks like a normal person can do it, like I can do it. Thank you, you're so friendly :)

[@FutureCatNZ]

Glad it's helpful!

[@apache-yaquibrown4060]

I appreciate you sharing. My quilt is huge too!

[@FutureCatNZ]

Good luck! Just take it slow and steady and you'll get it quilted.

[@apache-yaquibrown4060]

@@FutureCatNZ I love to hand quilt. The basting not so much. But your techique will get me going. Thanks 🙌

[@cheekymare2779]

That was interesting... I may have to try it

[@FutureCatNZ]

Let me know how it goes!

[@cheekymare2779]

@@FutureCatNZ I just bought a "little" long arm... without roller rails... i needed a better way to baste the quilt. Thanks

[@user-oq6bs1ir9n]

Very helpful, thank you. My quilt is even bigger than that one!

[@FutureCatNZ]

Wow, your quilt must be huge! Good luck with it!

[@joane8651]

Thank you for explaining this, now I am eager to try it myself!

[@FutureCatNZ]

Thanks! I hope it works for you!

[@cece624]

Thanks for this very informative video. BTW, I love the Sugarido quilt-along pattern with a gray background. All the colors and shapes really pop!

[@FutureCatNZ]

Thanks! Sugaridoo's pattern is such a good one for being able to play with colours.

[@ngjuicey2001]

That was a great tutorial! Thank you very much for sharing. 😊

[@FutureCatNZ]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MsFitz134]

Wow! I was skeptical that you could get the quilt basted in such a small space but you did it and made it look do-able! Incredible! I absolutely love the brightly colored kitchen cabinets too. I'm a sucker for rainbows and bright colors- you've gained a new subscriber! ♥️🏳️‍🌈

[@FutureCatNZ]

Thanks! I like my brightly coloured kitchen - when I moved in, it was decorated all in browns, so the first thing I did was brighten it up :-)

[@AnnMcQuade]

You're an inspiration! Do I dare to try this on a teeny tiny table? Hmmm...

[@FutureCatNZ]

Go on and try it! It's so much easier than trying to baste on the floor (which is what I'd been doing before I learnt this technique)

[@apache-yaquibrown4060]

I am watching again, I used your technique it was great. Now I am onto a larger 102x112.

[@FutureCatNZ]

Glad it worked for you!!!

[@coreygilles847]

What a clever idea!

[@FutureCatNZ]

Thanks! Glad you found it helpful

[@SanneDeBacker]

Thank you so much for this! I have about the same size table and was already worried about how to properly baste it. Definitely trying this technique!

[@FutureCatNZ]

Glad it was helpful!

[@katmi7525]

your Quilttop is so beautiful 😍. great choice of fabric. love it

[@FutureCatNZ]

Thanks! Glad you like it :-)

[@saravis56]

Yes! Thank you!

[@FutureCatNZ]

Glad you found it useful!

[@duarteshelia]

I am about ready to start doing this myself I was very pleased to watch you do your first it gave me hope that I can do mine as easily as you did yours.

[@FutureCatNZ]

Just take it slowly and you'll be fine. Let me know how it turns out!

[@nailyakulieva3255]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@McSnicker55]

I have the same problem - big quilt, small table. Thanks for the tips!

[@FutureCatNZ]

Hope this method works for you!

[@maggiehughes4283]

How interesting, AND, rather frightening. However, going to look great when it’s finished!

[@aletavanvuuren5748]

Did you do a video of quilting it on a domestic. If so please post a link. I’m battling with my Uber sized quilt as well. Practically moved all my furniture out and still not enough floor space. Being 76 is also not helping with crawling around on the floor 🤣🤣 love your quilt ❤️

[@FutureCatNZ]

Yes, crawling on the floor is definitely only for young knees! 😅 I see you found the quilting video - glad it was helpful to you!

[@junekerr5310]

9

[@jayshulamith3032]

This is proof that quilting is not for me, I don't have the patience to do all that BEFORE getting to the big part of the job!

[@FutureCatNZ]

Yeah, it's my last favourite part of quilting. But it's really only hard for huge quilts - for small ones it's quick and easy 🙂