Using 90in-wide fabric
If you buy backing fabric that’s 90in wide
then you won’t need any joins to make a
59in x 80in quilt, as the width of the
backing fabric is enough for the length of
the quilt (80in). As a result, you’ll only
need to buy a 59in length, plus a few
inches extra for around the edge of the
quilt, for example 1¾yd (63in).
Using batting
Batting is also occasionally known as
‘wadding’ – see page 14 for our guide to
the different types you can choose from.
To use batting, first shake it out and lay it
flat for a day or longer to remove any
creases. Some batting can be pressed
with a cool iron, but take care to do a test
first. Never iron polyester batting or it will
melt. Cut the batting so it’s a little smaller
than your backing fabric but larger than
your quilt top.
Starting a quilt
sandwich
A quilt sandwich is made up of three
layers – the patchworked quilt top, the
batting and the backing fabric. The
batting and backing should be several
inches larger than the quilt top all around
the sides, to allow for any movement
when you sew the three layers together.
You first need to fix the layers together,
ready for stitching. This is called ‘basting’
the quilt. Everyone has their own
favourite way of doing this, so we’ve
listed a few different options for you to
try. You might find it helps to spread
everything out on the floor and use
masking tape to stick down each layer to
get their position right before you start to
pin and baste them all together.Tacking
With this method you secure the layers
together by stitching them with rows of
large, loose stitches, which you’ll cut away
later once the quilt is finished. The
advantage of tacking your layers together
is that you can place the lines of tacking
close together to secure the layers really
well. However, tacking can be time
consuming compared to other methods.Safety pins
With this method, small safety pins are
used to fix the layers together. Special
quilter’s safety pins are available, which
are curved, enabling you to insert them
more easily. Some quilters often prefer
this method it as it’s quicker, but it is
worth noting that you may have to move
the pins out of the way as you work the
quilting. To pin your quilt, lay out the
three layers, then insert the safety pins in
a methodical order – either in a grid
pattern or positioning them in the centre
of each block or unit works well.04
The backing
will now fit
the quilt, with
2in excess on
each side