How to baste your quilt

1. Press your quilt top with an iron and measure it - the backing and batting needs to be 4 inches larger all the way around the quilt.

There are a variety of backing fabric options - cotton, flannel, prints and solids. If you choose a backing fabric with a print, ensure you place it so that the print detail is straight.

2. Press your backing fabric with an iron and tape the pressed backing to your hard surface with quilters tape wrong side up. Make sure that there are no wrinkles or bubbles - it should be taught, not distorted or stretched.

3. Next place your batting on top of your backing fabric smoothing all wrinkles from the centre outward. Trim any excess if it's larger than the backing fabric.

4. Place the pressed quilt top on top of the batting and backing fabric with the right side of the quilt top facing upward. Position it so that the 4 inches of  batting and backing are showing. Smooth from the centre outwards.

5. Time to pin - place safety pins or quilters curved pins every 4-5inches apart catching all 3 layers, again working from the centre outwards. When done remove the quilters tape.

Note : There is an alternative to pin basting and that is spray basting. This method uses a can of spray adhesive to secure the quilt layers together. Use according to the manufacturer's instructions. You can purchase cans of basting spray from quilting stockists. This process can be faster than pinning and can give better results with less wrinkles on your backing fabric. However it is more costly and there can be a strong odour . Ensure you have good ventilation  by opening your windows and doors.

Your quilt is now ready to quilt!