Creative Quilt Backs

Hello, In order to avoid puckering and pleating (for machine quilting), stretch the backing taut so that all wrinkles disappear (have a flat backing). Another thing that helps a lot is a proper nudging of the fabric. In other words, you will need to place your hands in front of the presser foot, fingertips together (around 2" in front of the foot) and elbows out. Then move you fingertips across the top layer, toward the presser foot, and make like a small hill/mountain/bubble (I hope I'm making sense) between the presser foot and your fingertips. Do this very softly, don't push it, just let it go. Someone else mentioned the use of a walking foot, and I agree. It also helps to correct diagonal lines or creases between straight lines of quilting, but to be honest I think that nudging makes a big difference. You see, I have used other feed for machine quilting, an so far so good. Another thing that have helped me a lot is the use of safety pins at a distance of 3" or 3 1/12" for basting and always checking to see if the backing is flat while I'm placing them. I do not use basting spray because of my allergies, but I heard it is good. There are other things to consider like stabilizing your quilt before doing any free-motion, the order of quilting stitches, the batting that your are using, etc., but try the nudging first and let us know how it goes. Oh! Something very important to remember is to always have fun...;-)

Very infomative and well done. Thanks

Hi, I find that using a walking foot helps me a lot in sewing long pieces of fabric. Also, I try to lessen the tension just a bit. I'm certainly not an expert, but this is what I have to do when sewing on my Juki. Take care! Kathy

Hi! I have just watched the first 2 lessons, and I have already picked up some great ideas for making my quilt backs so much better. I have been quilting for about 12 years, and for me, the backing was not given much thought, unless the quilt was meant as a gift. I have a few tops that I need to make backs for, so I can't wait to watch and learn how I can step up the interest and quality of my quilt backs. Elizabeth is a wonderful teacher, and I will definitely be taking more classes from her, when classes become available. Kathy

Puckers are barely noticed. They are lost in the fun of it all. Practice makes perfect that - and basting spray

I think we would all like perfection, L, but so few of us achieve it (my being an expert at imperfection)! Don't be discouraged - your quilt is still lovely.

Please let me know your secrets on keeping the quilt from puckering and pleating.....It is so upsetting when we work so hard making these things and it just don`t look right. I would like perfection.