Quilting 101: How to Prepare a Quilt Backing and Baste a Quilt

#beginnerquilting #howtoquilt #howtosew
Hi friends! Today I'm sharing my tips for how to baste a quilt. I'll be showing you how to pin baste as well as how to spray baste. I hope this helps you out! So let’s get started!
505 Spray Adhesive: amzn.to/2seSmqd
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Quilt behind me in intro:
Pattern: Summerville by Thimbleblossoms
Fabric: Vintage Picnic by Bonnie & Camille
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Disclosure: This video is not sponsored.

[@carols8090]

I've watched a dozen videos trying to find a useful tip to keep my large, large, large project aligned and here you are. TAPE!!!!! OMG!!!! Tape the darn thing to the floor!!! Thank you!!!! And I love the quilt in your background - doesn't look like it took hundreds of dollars and hours of fabric shopping to have a computer do the work. Lovely.

[@melindagibson8606]

I love that you think of every detail and sometimes over explain each step.. it's really helpful! My 1st quilt is getting less and less scary!! thanks for taking the time to do this!

[@jessicathompson5689]

Thanks so much for this tutorial. I have been sewing for a couple of years but have never done any quilting and this was a tremendous help for abeginner quilter. I am due to have a baby girl in April and got in my head to do her bedroom all from scratch and wanted to quilt her bed set and crib bumpers. It was breeze with this tutorial thank you.

[@oskarmolly]

I love your series! Now I feel like I'm ready to start making my first quilt. You explain and show everything and make it so clear and easy to understand. Thank You!

[@pattiklos]

Super helpful and I love that you show what its like to baste on your floor!

[@Dianah1952]

Thank you Erica for your quilting videos! I love the way you explain everything and go into the details. God bless you!

[@itssamiyoutube]

Keep smiling lass thanks for this I'm new to patchwork .

[@GinniStacey]

I love this idea. The tape to secure the backing would be a Godsend! I will certainly try the floor method on my next quilt and the rolling technique looks so much easier than doing it in quarters. Thank you Erica!

[@dcwatashi]

@@tinalouisecrawford1098 you could always use cardboard between your fabric and the carpet

[@cammyquiltzzz]

So enlightening! I have done this the hard way for 40 years. Thank you so much for this video.

[@kathleenawilson7085]

Lovely! I've been trying to figure out to be better on "sandwiching". This explained it clearly. Thank you. Good video!

[@monicashuler5809]

Gorgeous quilt and love your videos!! So glad I found them!!

[@jesusreignsoveraustralia]

Awesome, after watching heaps of videos this is by far the best. Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺

[@brendanewsome705]

Thank you for showing this tutorial. It was a great help. The first quilt that I had done was with pins on carpet. Now that was really something to see. Lol. I'm going to try it the way you showed. Thanks so much.

[@brandycavanagh4267]

Thank you so much for ALL your tutorials! You are so thoughtful in the details.. very beginner friendly. I'm making my first quilt this summer for my granddaughter. I actually feel like I can do this with great success and many thanks to you! 😁😍

[@erica_arndt]

You are so welcome!

[@charlotterey3156]

So very helpful on corners.

[@tishc5589]

Loved your video. Very easy to understand; you make it look so simple! lol I can't get up and down from the floor like that; I don't know what I will do. When I have a wall hanging, I can use the table. Thanks!!!

[@jenniferleeson5286]

This was super helpful .... loved your method of spray basting!!

[@kimberlyoliver5808]

Great video! Thank you!

[@r_loretta2588]

Thank you for this! Making my first quilt and I thought basting would be easier than pinning but I had no idea how to baste it well.

[@lulapratt1640]

What hand lotion can I use instead of gloves

[@apatak2]

How have i never thought to tape down backing?! GENIUS! Thank you!

[@karenobrien2579]

Just discovered your channel on quilting. Great direction! I've learned so much from watching two videos. Thx so much.

[@imanobody3666]

This video is fantastic!! Thank you so much, this video is exactly what I needed to watch. Extremely informative. 👍

[@cherieweiss1020]

Thank you! You make it look so easy. I'm inspired by you!

[@ivybichon8582]

I didn't realize my first quilt puckered until I watched this video. I basted from the edge to edge.

[@susansmith6058]

Thank you for the tip with the painter’s tape! 👏👏👏

[@imanobody3666]

Your such a great teacher!! Thank you for everything. 🙂

[@annkader8253]

Thank you Erica. I am making my first quilt and felt frustrated because layers kept slipping. After watching your video , I now know what to do.

[@brenda6crum668]

Love love love your videos

[@hannahlindsey2700]

This is definitely the most useful video!

[@mimisgirls1]

Spray basting a quilt is much more efficient than pin basting, but it doesn't need to be done on the floor. In fact, if you're older or have knee problems, it cannot be done on the floor! Its much easier one of two ways. You can hang your quilt on a wall. I saw this on a video years ago...I think it may have been Pat Sloan, but not sure. First hang your backing by using pins or staples or tape, making sure its taut...spray...then add your batting...spray...then add your top, smoothing with every layer. It works beautifully. The other way...if you can't find a wall...is to use a large table, or even folding tables. You can let the quilt fall over the sides, which actually helps keep it taut...and spray baste in sections. There might even be a video on YT with these methods. If you're young and fit, then use the floor, but if that doesn't work for you, try one of these other two methods...it will save your back and knees.!

[@erica_arndt]

Thanks for sharing your ideas! I've seen people do the wall one, that looks interesting to me, but I've never tried it. I baste on my sewing table now because I don't like doing the floor anymore either! :)

[@mendyelliott9495]

I am learning so much from you! Excellent tutorial! Thank you!

[@cathymazzittello1671]

Finally the fastest way to baste , thankyou.

[@giodrakes]

That's genius! Thank you!

[@mandystevenson166]

Love your tutorials! I'm new to free motion and used the pin method on my first quilt which I regret. Im using spray basting for my second. So far love it. I'm wondering with spray basting do I need to quilt center out or does it matter since there's no shifting?

[@5boys1mom]

I absolutely love your tutorials!! I have been bitten by the quilters bug and never dreamed it would happen. My mother was a quilter and I just never followed her down that road until she passed away unexpectedly. I have started piecing quilts and I love it!! I do have a question regarding your spray basting. Am just wondering what is available to get the overspray off of table, floor, etc....?

[@erica_arndt]

I swore I'd never quilt either ;) But it's a great way to pass down some love to your family and a fun outlet too! I usually just mop my floor as usual to get the spray baste off. I also try to be extra careful around the edges when spraying.

[@kathleenbatten1443]

Loved this tutorial, as I struggle with glue, do it myself, or employ a long arm? The glue is a temporary fixative, but for how long? Do you need pins or tacking to keep it From shifting?

[@sewquick6743]

I love this method! Some great tips - thank you :)

[@johnjoseph5602]

Save your finger tips with the Kwik Klip basting tool and attach the Quilters Delight Safety Pin Grip Covers to your #1 nickle plated curved safety pins and basting is fun!!!!!!

[@robemega]

Thank you for showing how a real quilter does who doesn’t own a studio.

[@sandym472]

Great tutorial. Thanks for sharing

[@InaSchweiz]

Thank you! Helped a lot.

[@SweeTart77kkibble]

Great video! Was wondering how I was going to wrangle the spray basting without a quilt wall.

[@lauralynneh]

Thank you, so much! Big help, much appreciated

[@debramiller9892]

Hi. What pattern did you use to make the quilt you were basting in the video? I really like that one with the beautiful fabrics.

[@marietteforget7804]

Thanks a lot! Do you sew with a special kind of needle when you spray baste? I have heard of Teflon needles. 🌺🌸

[@thaliacrafts407]

I just wipe the needle with some alcohol every now and then. Also helps prevent gumming up your machine when sewing fusible interfacing

[@marietteforget7804]

@@thaliacrafts407 thanks for the tip and have a great day. 🌺🌸

[@chuscaace6321]

Love your quilt, fantastic colors. Can you please tell me which pattern is and fabric? Also, loved the Summerville. Great video.

[@Andydunnihoo]

Erica, I love your video! Your quilt is beautiful! What pattern is it? Thanks for all your tips.

[@erica_arndt]

This one is called Summerville by Thimble Blossoms, the fabric is Vintage Picnic by Bonnie & Camille :) It's one of my favorites!

[@maryisenman3546]

I’m so happy I found your video bc I wasn’t sure if I was able to spray adhesive to baste..I’ve always used safety pins and it’s frustrating..so thank you. By the way do you by chance have the name of your pattern? It’s beautiful!

[@erica_arndt]

Hi! Thanks, it's a mix of the star and cherry blocks from this book: amzn.to/37VjWOU

[@linetteevans8337]

I just found this hoping to get the answer I was looking for. Do you line up the center of your quilt top with the center seam of the backing fabric? Thank you

[@erica_arndt]

I do my best :) but sometimes I will actually line it up to minimize fabric waste rather than worrying about the center seam lining up.

[@linetteevans8337]

@@erica_arndt thank you.

[@audreyderby7638]

Awesome video. If I DID get down on my floor, they’d have to call "Tim’s Crane" to get me up…lol

[@lauriejames9144]

You are so very helpful; most tutorials the speaker talks so fast and moves so fast ,I am unable to keep up. You are very special and your voice is easy to listen to. Thank you for these tutorials!!!

[@pamwhite-hasbrouck7942]

What is the quilt pattern of the quilt you did the basting example on? LOVE your videos... going to be ordering your two quilt patterns you have on your site as well.

[@erica_arndt]

It's a combo of the Old Glory blocks and the Simple Star blocks from the Farm Girl Vintage book by Lori Holt. I also used my own star sashing tutorial for the tiny stars in the middle of the blocks. You can see how to do that here: bit.ly/2jSL1HC

[@denisepineda1788]

I love your videos especially being relatively new to quilting your Quilting 101 series has helped me so much! Do you have to hurry and free motion quilt as soon as you get done basting or can you do it over a couple day period? Just wondering.

[@erica_arndt]

No need to rush! You can definitely do it over a few days. I sometimes worry the spray adhesive will lesson over time, so I typically don't leave them for too long. But then I've also never had an issue with the adhesive either.

[@cindykirkhart5659]

Thank you

[@elizabethumberfield5629]

Great tutorial! If you have overspray that gets onto your flooring, does this adhesive wash off?

[@erica_arndt]

Hi, yes it does. I do my best not to have over spray but it does come off with a standard mopping :)

[@alixanderiashay4049]

The Quilt top is beautiful. Do you have a pattern to share for that? Thank you for this video.

[@erica_arndt]

That pattern is Summerville by thimbleblossoms.com

[@lauraholder3689]

The Americana quilt is Summerville? It looks totally different.

[@lindabond578]

you mentioned it can gum up your needle. does it gum up anything else. Do you change needles or clean them with alcohol or water?

[@ernieosborne7002]

Very good tutorial. I'm going to give this method a go with the quilt I'm making now. Thanks for sharing the knowledge. I'm not a big fan of the safety pin method. The spray basting is so much easier and way faster for sure.

[@alisonsiegfried9325]

Great video, what type of iron are you using?

[@erica_arndt]

This was a Panasonic, it’s older so I can’t find the exact one but this one is similar: www.amazon.com/dp/B07C58K2XN/?tag=c013b-20

[@JustineFaisst]

Is the 505 spray baste safe to use on a baby quilt. Will it leave toxic residual or will the chemicals wash out? Thanks

[@erica_arndt]

Yes, the spray baste washes out, so if you make a baby quilt I would wash it before gifting :)

[@tweetybrown633]

I love, love, love your quilt top fabric. Do you happen to know the name of it?

[@erica_arndt]

This quilt used a line called Day Sail by Bonnie & Camille for Moda

[@nicholewarner]

Do you have a video on how to finish it after that?? I’m not sure yet how to see my edges after spraying it together

[@erica_arndt]

Yep, I have an entire series on how to quilt start to finish, here is my playlist: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqmseoGfnZWXZsU

[@user-ze9do6vx5l]

Great video. The only thing is the echo in the room while speaking. Watch you often!❣️

[@sdprater70]

In the past when spray basting I always had a huge issue with it gumming up my needle. It was such a pain I just went back to pin basting. Is the 505 brand better at not gumming up the machine than other brands?

[@erica_arndt]

There is a little bit of gum that gets on the needle, but not much.

[@sdprater70]

I have been mostly hand quilting lately and am going to try the spray basting this weekend. I will let you know how it works with hand needles!

[@connieolson8497]

What type of batting do you generally use? All cotton cotton poly 80/20 or what? Whar Brand do you like? Mt mist, hobbs, Quilter’s dream?

[@erica_arndt]

Hi, I always use this one because it's white and doesn't show through on my light fabric: amzn.to/3h39HJs

[@tracihall7083]

That patriotic quilt is adorable

[@CP-gq5fw]

I have some UFOs, mostly quilts, that only need to be basted...they have been in storage for at least four years!! A quilt for each of my children.

[@erica_arndt]

I have a few to baste too, it's my least favorite thing to do LOL!

[@bethguernsey8241]

Erica, do you use spray starch on your fabric before you cut your fabric?

[@erica_arndt]

Hi, I do not typically spray starch. I don't find it that necessary unless you're working with bias cuts. I know others who always spray starch, but honestly it's just an extra step and it makes everything stiff and sticky LOL!

[@hayleywood2444]

where did you get that amazing quilt extention around your machine?

[@erica_arndt]

I ordered it from Amazon, it's the Sew Steady clear table. There are a variety of sizes and then you tell them what machine you have and they custom cut it. LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!

[@hayleywood2444]

Thanks!!

[@sandraruddock9889]

I use 505 spray glue to baste my quilts but I also tack the three layers together. Is it really necessary to tack the layers together if I have already glued. I seem to be making myself a lot of work

[@erica_arndt]

I don't usually do both no. I typically just spray baste. As long as you've done a decent job it stays together really well.

[@bgagnon905]

Can I ask what the pattern of the quilt that is behind you is? Just found your videos :)

[@erica_arndt]

Info is in the description box above!

[@tinadenike4994]

I only spray bast less wrinkles that way.also i use a yard stick to smooth out fabric that way im not on my fabric

[@lauraholder3689]

What pattern is the Amaricana quilt you are basting?

[@erica_arndt]

That is one I put together myself using Lori Holt's Old Glory, Cherry Block and my own Star Sashing: www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/blog/2016/08/quilting-101-star-sashing-tutorial.html

[@MaryJohnson-iv6ue]

I would the pattern for this quilt

[@erica_arndt]

The quilt on the wall behind me is Summerville by Camille Roskelly, the quilt in the video that I'm backing is a mix of Lori Holt Blocks from this book: amzn.to/3Ez3jW0

[@ourunplannedlife4991]

If you spray baste, can you fold it up and come back to it a few days later? Is there a time limit?

[@erica_arndt]

Yes, I do that all of the time. I've never had one come apart after waiting, though I'm sure at some point the sticky adhesive probably starts to fade. But I'd think that would be over a long period of time. Usually when I baste, the longest it sits around waiting for me to quilt it is a few days or maybe a week.

[@bridgetwilkins6591]

What is the app you mentioned for calculations? I’m not finding it on Apple.

[@erica_arndt]

www.quiltersparadiseesc.com/Calculators.php

[@80657]

I understand this tutorial is older.....however I use a wall in my house when I spray baste. I do the same thing press the top and backing really really well. Then I have my daughter help me put backing on the wall and I also use masking tape Then I do the same with the batting and masking tape it to the wall..... Now I spray baste half of the quilt...I undo half of the batting...spray baste and work my way up the quilt then do the same for the bottom. Repeat this process for the top. I do pin the edge of the quilt just so I don't have too much fraying and maybe have to stretch a corner 😊... That being said...I have been working on a quilt for my bestfriends birthday and it's a 90 or 92 square quilt. I didnt have any help as everyone was at work or school. I have decided to just pin baste this large heavy quilt and pinned every 3 to 4 inches. I just put a 1/2 4 × 8 sheet of plywood on my bed and just worked in sections from the middle out. I'm just doing stitch in the ditch with a walking foot on my baby lock. I started in the center and worked my way out to 1 side....so the first half....then flipped it to do the other half...... I have never just pin based a large quilt before and understand what you mean by shifting when just basting so far isn't not a whole lot maybe a 1/2 to an inch. I just hope it will be ok. I'm sure you are familiar what's a book simply jelly roll by the fat quarter shop and I am making the Pumpernickel Quilt. Second big quilt I have ever made because my home is rather small and don't really have space for large quilts lol. But I plan on making every quilt in the book but the heart one. As long as the pin basting large heavy quilts don't shift much and send quilt out of square 😊. Let me know what your thoughts are if you happen to get this😊. Love your channel and your quilts are beautiful. I cant wait to see the colors you have chosen for the new sew sample BOM quilt a long. Have a blessed day and keep quilting.

[@erica_arndt]

Thanks, I've never done it on a wall before! I have since moved to table basting: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpTXhaWni655qNU

[@nancythompson4603]

I tried crawling on my quilt I had it taped very tight. I usually don't do this, I did two quilts like this and the backing was wrinkled after I cut it out and looked at the back. Not so easy to fix because when you get the wrinkles out of the back the quilt front is then all out of place and wrinkled. I don't know if I missed something? I don't think I did. I normally use the spray and do it from the side and never had this problem. This may work for some people it didn't for me. I just thought I would let people know what happened to me, because this was a very time consuming and not a pleasant experience after all your hard work of making and sandwiching a quilt.

[@erica_arndt]

Hi! If the floor doesn't work for you, maybe try the table method! The floor hurts my back too much now LOL! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpTXhaWni655qNU

[@pattimelita8268]

Well, I jumped the gun. You have slowed down and your tutorial was very good.

[@zipppyzipppy4795]

How do you keep overspray from the front of your quilt doing it this way?

[@erica_arndt]

I just try to be careful when spraying. I haven’t noticed any getting on the front of my quilt.

[@judybraun6636]

Can you use spray binding on a baby quilt?

[@erica_arndt]

Yes just wash it before you use it!

[@brendatatem2549]

Wish I could find the app you are using. I thought you said Quilter's paradise but that comes up with zip in the app store

[@erica_arndt]

Hi, It's not an app, it's a website: www.quiltersparadiseesc.com/Calculators.php

[@fabricandflowers83]

If you get any spray on the wood floor how do you clean it off ?

[@erica_arndt]

It comes off with regular mopping. I don't usually have too much over spray, I try to be careful :)

[@lorenaeli20]

Have you ever used fusible batting before?

[@erica_arndt]

I've used it in bags before for stability, but never in a quilt. I think it would take away from that soft feeling of a quilt.

[@cynthiaclark7575]

Is spray basting safe for a baby quilt?

[@erica_arndt]

Yes, it washes out when you wash the quilt. I always pre-wash quilts if they're for babies. If not I send washing instructions with it :)

[@cynthiaclark7575]

Thank you❣️

[@bobjohansen3188]

I taped my backing to the floor with strong duck tape but it kept coming undone. I see you're using painters tape and its sticking great. Am I doing something wrong???

[@erica_arndt]

Yes, I use that blue painters tape.

[@cindykirkhart5659]

Where do I found the calculation table at

[@erica_arndt]

www.quiltersparadiseesc.com/Calculators.php

[@loribernard5144]

great tutorial! question? are you and melanie ham related? you sound alike,,,

[@showducky81]

I was thinking the same thing!

[@erica_arndt]

LOL! No, but I love Melanie!

[@karenwood2928]

I cannot get my quilt back to lay flat. Any ideas?

[@erica_arndt]

Yes, make sure when trimming the corners that they are cut at a 90 degree angle. I use my large 15" square ruler to help with that.

[@karenwood2928]

I thought I posted a comment that said thank you but it disappeared. Anyhow thank you!!!

[@mombear518]

Is it possible to use this method to hand quilt without a hoop or a frame. I have hand quilted 2 quilts but basted with thread that took days to do a secure job. This sounds wonderful if it will hold up to constant movement and folding as I quilt.

[@erica_arndt]

Yes, I think you could use it to hand-quit as well. It does gum up my sewing machine needle a little, so that might not be as good as pin basting if you're hand-quilting. But I like that my fabrics don't shift around or bunch at all once they're spray basted.

[@karenwood2928]

For how long does the spray baste hold? How soon/quickly do you have to quilt it?

[@erica_arndt]

I'm not sure if there's a set amount of time, but I've basted and left them for weeks before finding time to quilt and been fine. But I don't think I'd leave it for a year or anything :)

[@karenwood2928]

Thank you!

[@dcwatashi]

I have been watching quite a few videos because it’s been a while since I’ve had to do this, and you really should not spray that basting spray onto your fabric. You should spray it onto the batting instead

[@erica_arndt]

Hi! I've tried it both ways, and I find it sticks better if I spray the fabric. I haven't had good luck with it staying when I spray the batting. But I'm not sure it really matters, so I think whatever works better for you is best!

[@karolinemello724]

Does not show laying out the backing or securing it down or laying the middle and lining up the top.

[@erica_arndt]

Hi, I show how to baste the quilt starting at 11:09 :)

[@pattimelita8268]

Why are quilt instructors talk like they are on Speed? Not trying to be rude..slow down.

[@erica_arndt]

LOL! Sorry, I do talk fast too :)

[@joykegle8958]

Please talk a little slower

[@martibrown2993]

Slow down, you talk wayyyy to fast, take a breath!

[@janisharrismurray8508]

Unbelievable amount of talking…unnecessarily

[@theresebouchie1248]

Is spray basting safe for a baby quilt?

[@erica_arndt]

Yes, just make sure to wash it before gifting. The spray baste washes out :)