Onebyone

I bought three new noodles yesterday because I liked the new light teal color Walmart has and my old ones were getting grubby. They are longer than the ones I have been using.

toogie

Thanks for this. I have so much trouble getting up and down on the floor not to mention on my knees and staying bend over kills my back. This would be wonderful if it works for the bigger quilts I make. I’m just so afraid of getting unwanted tucks or pleats on my back and not know it. I pin.

[email protected]

I’ve tried everything. This is the largest quilt I made (king), so basting that was a disaster, even after trying glue. I cut it in half and got new backing and batting. Width is now about 50”. It is still too wide for my tables, so noodles will be hanging off the edge. No matter what method I try, the back material bunches a lot as I’m quilting. The backing especially is thinner fabric and seems to resist all of my efforts to keep it flat with pins. Glue and spray show through the material. Any ideas?

Onebyone

The best thing to do is find a LA who will baste this quilt for you. It won't cost much and it will be worth it to save time and frustration.

WesternWilson

Sharon Schamber has a set of videos up on YouTube that were likely the inspiration for the pool noodle idea. Sharon used narrow boards instead, which are easier to handle. This method allows you to baste on a table, sitting in a chair. Perfect if you are not fond of crawling around on the floor!

By rolling the top and back onto separate boards, you can control the fabric easily as you get the sandwich put together. Sharon bastes with thread, but pins or spray would work just as well.

The videos are 17 years old so alas of very poor quality, and should really be re-filmed in high definition with good sound, but they are well worth watching.

Part 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhwNylePFAA

Part 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_EjBGz5vGQ

Patricia Drew

I’ve been using the Sharon Schamber board method for years. It works perfectly, it’s fast.

Tabinfla

If anyone has problems basting or sandwiching their quilt, pool noodles is the only way to go. I’m sure I will never baste any other way again. I’ve made a handful of quilts and any time I find something difficult, I start researching looking for better ways.

I’ve used glue ever since my first quilt. I have no idea why, but even with 300 pins, it was horribly puckered. Now I glue a little and pin a little. The combination works best for me. The last quilt that I made had me so frustrated I almost threw in the towel. I ended up having to spray the quilt to wet the glue and had to do my best at straightening the layers that way. Turned out OK, but was seriously discouraging.

I used the pool noodles this time and it was awesome! This was by far the easiest basting with the best results that I’ve ever tried. Best of all, I can do it on the table! My herniated discs and titanium knees don’t permit me to crawl on the floor.