Basting quilts is hard work! In fact, I will send my quilts off to the quilter just to avoid basting a quilt. But after years of avoiding it, I think I finally found the secret sauce. Learn how to use directional fabric and baste your quilts straight with confidence every time! 

I have a confession... I'm wasn't a fan of basting quilts and I used to be frequently frustrated. The main problem being the quilt slowly shifted and became crooked as I basted it. I would think it was straight, but by the time it was all basted one end would be an inch or two off from the top, which can cause major problems. 

So not so long ago I decided it was time to grow my skills, try a different method of basting and get the backing on straight. 

I had striped backing which I really wanted to use on this all woven quilt top. But I didn't have the confidence I could get it on straight.  

Whenever I am in the US and have a striped backing I just send my quilt off to my very talented quilter. She does the work of loading the quilt and making sure everything is straight. But when I am in India, I do all my quilting myself. So it was time to learn to figure this out myself because my quilter wasn't going to get me out of this. 

First, I decided to try a different method.

Before when I was basting my quilts I would try and center the quilt top in the middle of the batting and backing. This is hard to do with such a large object. This also meant I would think I had centered it and in reality I had the quilt on mostly straight, but not quite all the way straight.

I stopped trying to center my quilt top on my backing. This was a game changer.  

Now, I line up the backing, batting and quilt top all across the top making sure the quilt top is about 2 inches from the top of the backing and batting. While smoothing out the layers I make sure that the quilt top is lined up straight with the top and has plenty of extra batting and backing down the edges. 

You can see in the photo below (this is after I had finished quilting) how I had lined up the backing, batting and quilt top. 

Make sure to take the the time to smooth out the layers, checking for creases in each layer. I like to baste on a table and flip my quilt over to smooth out the layers from the backside as well. Then, I flip one last time to smooth from the front again before basting. This has greatly reduced puckering while quilting. 
 

Since switching to this method I now confidently baste my quilts with directional fabric and don't worry about it shifting or being crooked.

You can see above the lines on my backing are perpendicular with the binding fabric. 

If you struggle with basting your quilts straight here are a couple of tips: 

• Use backings which are not directional (no plaids or lines). This helps hide if your backing isn't completely straight. 
  
  
• Tape down the backing so it doesn't shift during basting. I like to baste on my kitchen table. So I tape it down at the beginning to get me started.
  
  
• Lay down each layer one at a time making sure each is straight and smoothed out as you go. 
  
  
• Take your time and don't be afraid to make mistakes. That's the best way to learn. 
  
  
• If you are a beginner quilter and new to basting, practice with a baby size first. Working with a smaller quilt is easier. 

Basting quilts does require time and may take some practice until you come to find the method which works best for you. The best way to learn is to jump right in and build your confidence. 

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