Starting in the Center or at the Sides: What’s the Scoop?

By National Quilters Circle Editors & filed under Ask a Quilting Expert.

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I was always taught to start quilting in the center of my quilt and work my way out and down, then return to the center of the quilt and repeat in the other in direction. Lately, I’ve come across many ideas that seem to start on the side or mention stabilizing the quilt at key points and then doing what I want, where I want to do it. What’s the scoop?



Submitted via email


NQC Answer

Hi,

The reason most teach to start quilting at the center and work your way out is to help eliminate the possibility of puckers or bunching of your quilt top or backing fabric as you work your way through quilting. Depending on the size of the quilt and/or your experience level, you may find that, with the right amount of basting pins in place, you are able to keep everything flat no matter where you start.

Another method some choose to use in order to be able to start quilting anywhere on their work is basting using a basting spray. This adheres the backing fabric to the batting making it much easier to make sure no puckers or bunching forms while quilting.

No matter what basting method you choose to use, I would still recommend either starting at the middle and working out, starting at one side and working across, or simply working in small sections at a time. What I would try to avoid is starting at the outsides and working towards the middle, as this is the largest probability of puckers happening at the center.

Hope all this helps!

Ashley

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12 Responses to “Starting in the Center or at the Sides: What’s the Scoop?”

  1. Robin

    I usually stitch in the ditch or crosshatch when quilting my work. Would you also recommend starting in the middle of the quilt or the side? Thank you.

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Robin,

      Great question! The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members of our online community. By becoming a member, you will have access to our expert’s knowledge. With your membership you will also receive discounts on products and hours of Premium video content.

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      Thanks!

      Reply
  2. Christine

    Any suggestions for the best way to layer the quilt using basting spray? After layering it on my design wall, I find that I have to smooth out wrinkles in the fabric on a flat surface

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Christine,

      Great question! The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members of our online community. By becoming a member, you will have access to our expert’s knowledge. With your membership you will also receive discounts on products and hours of Premium video content.

      If you are interested in becoming a member, please click on the special offer below:

      https://go.nationalquilterscircle.com/a19772

      Thanks!

      Reply
  4. birdellia

    Ok.. I put the binding on first b 4 quilting the top… ugh guess I wanted to be finished . Help don’t want to take it off., queen size… what to do?!

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Dear Kathryn,

      Thank you for your patience while we asked the experts, hers is the response:

      Hi,

      As long as your layers were both smooth and even when you attached your binding you may be able to quilt it with minimal puckering. I would recommend beginning the quilting with a large grid- around 4-5″. This will allow you to see if it will lay flat. If it does you can then go back and add in additional quilting.

      Cheers,

      Ashley
      National Quilters Circle

      Reply
  5. Roberta

    I washed my 100% cotton sheet for my backing and would like to know if pressing it is necessary? A pressing would make it smoother….but so will the stretching it on the quilt frames.

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Roberta,

      I recommend pressing. While stretching it will also make it smooth- having it smooth before trying to put it on the quilt frame and quilt it can make it a bit easier.

      Cheers,

      Ashley
      National Quilters Circle Video Membership

      We’d love to have you be a part of our community. We are convinced you will enjoy the benefits of becoming a member and having access to the best instructional how to videos and professional tips. We would like to offer you a special promotion for your first year membership. https://go.nationalquilterscircle.com/C13207

      Reply
  6. Rosemarie

    long arm quilt machine – Babylock Coronet = does where you start to quilt make a difference ?

    Reply
  7. gail

    I just watched Heathers video on the leather quilt. can you advise what type of glue she used – is it regular or cement glue

    Reply