basting | Simple Bird Applique

I casually mentioned to my husband that I would be on my hands and knees later that evening and he was free to join me! He could even take photos! Finally….I had his attention. He asked me what I had in mind. I told him I needed help basting my quilt together, of course!

First, we pinned the backing to the carpet. I use large safety pins and pin directly into the under padding. In a couple of weeks, we will be replacing the carpets with hardwood floor. Not sure where I will be basting my quilts, but I will figure that out when the time comes! I make sure the backing is smooth and fairly taut and free of cat hair!

Next, I lay the batting on the backing and smooth any wrinkles there may be. I am using wool batting for this quilt. If you haven’t tried wool batting yet, what are you waiting for? It needles like a dream!

Then, I put the quilt top on the batting and, starting at the very center, I smooth it out nice and flat. The top is already marked! I spent the last couple of evenings marking the quilt top with feathered wreaths and 3/4″ cross-hatching. I didn’t mark the outer borders because I am not sure what I want to do, yet. I have time to think about it!

Now comes the fun part. I start at the centre and baste the three layers together. The trick is not to stitch into the carpet, and to actually stitch all the layers! I use an embroidery needle with a large eye and cotton thread. I baste in a grid, with my basting stitches going both horizontal and vertical.