Assembling the Quilt Layers

There are several ways that quilters can baste together the quilt layers and through trial and error you will find one that you like best. Follow these simple instructions as I demonstrate pin basting, which is the way I was taught and like the best.

To assemble your quilt layers, you will need some supplies: 100+ quilting safety pins, a Kwik Klip or similar product, and 2 dozen extra large binder clips. You will also need a large table with a lip that the binder clips can fit onto. You may get some scratches on the table top so use an old table that won't suffer for extra marks! What makes quilting safety pins different from regular safety pins is that they are bent to help push through the fabric. They are re-usable and well worth the extra cost. A Kwik Klip or similar product is designed to help you close the safety pins without danger of pricking your fingers. Believe me, the last thing you want are sore fingertips and blood on your quilt!

	Step 1: Lay the backing fabric face down on the table. Center it so that equal amounts overhang all sides of the table. If you do not have any overhang, you will need a smaller table.
	Step 2: Place your first binder clip along one side. With one hand, smooth the fabric away from the first clip being careful not to pull or stretch the fabric.
	Step 3: Keeping the fabric taught, place a second binder clip on the fabric securing it to the table top approximately 8-12 inches away from the first. Repeat until all four sides of the backing fabric are secure to the table top.
	Step 4: Lay the batting over the secured backing fabric. Smooth it to remove any wrinkles. Clip the batting to the table top following steps 2 and 3. Remove only one clip at a time, smooth the fabric, and secure the batting with the clip before moving on to the next clip.
	Step 5: Finish clipping the batting to the table top on all four sides.
	Step 6: Lay the quilt top over the backing, centering it over the batting. If the table is too long on one side, center it on the other three. Clip the quilt top to the other two layers following Steps 2 and 3, removing and repositioning one clip at a time before moving on to the next.
	Step 7: Use straight pins to secure the last side of the quilt top to the backing and batting if your table is too long.
	Step 8: Slide a safety pin through all three layers of the quilt and close the pin using your Kwik Klip tool. Pin every 4-6 inches in all directions across the quilt top. Be careful to not pin in rows - you want to stagger the pins to reduce the chance of getting puckers in the fabric when you machine quilt.
	Step 9: Once you have pinned the entire quilt top, remove the binder clips. Flip the quilt over, checking that the pins went through and there are no wrinkles. Trim away the excess backing and batting, leaving at least 3-4 inches extra on all sides. The extra fabric will allow for any adjustments you may need to make to remove any wrinkles or pleats when sewing.