I tested out the lap size of the soon-to-be-released Pulsar quilt pattern, which finishes at 72″ square. I knew that basting a quilt this size was going to be stretch in our cozy 512 square foot (47.5 square meter) cottage, so after a few days of measuring and planning how to make it work, I was able to give it a try.
Basting Pulsar – It *JUST* Fit!
One of the real reasons I had to wait a few days is that I needed all the space in our combined office / sewing area. After removing all of the chairs (we normally have two office chairs plus my bar height chair that I use at my sewing machine in this space), I laid out the quilt backing and it *JUST* fit in the space. To minimize my time and risk of hitting my head on all of the obstacles, my husband helped me basted the quilt which made the whole process go much faster!
In real time, I was able to get the quilt top basted a little over 3 weeks ago. I knew that with the amount of quilting density I had planned, that it was going to take some time to execute.
Pin Basting Tip
As you may know, I am a pin baster. Due to extreme chemical sensitivity, spray basting is just not an option in my household, so I’ve learned how to make pin basting work the best for me. One thing that I have started doing in the past year is adding basting pins on the perimeter of the quilt OUTSIDE of the quilt top. These pins hold the batting and backing together and they have improved my ability to keep the quilt backing from flipping over and accidentally getting quilted into places it does not belong. Not only do they hold the batting and backing together, but their extra weight and even their sound as I manipulate the quilt are extra helpful, too. I highly recommend it!
My house is small too, not as compact as yours. I have to rearrange my space to set up the 2 folding tables I use for pin basting. I like that suggestion about pinning the batting on the perimeter. Unfortunately I have had the backing fold back, not a pleasant quilting experience.
Yay for making things work, right? Nice hubby helped so the process could be a little less painful!
That is a tight squeeze. I admire the way you make it work. I have the same problem with batting and backing get tucked under when I quilt. I’ll have to remember that trick with the pins since I don’t use spray baste either.
Even as a hand quilter I have been known to catch the backing, so thanks for the tip. I also like the idea that the best way to pin baste is with someone else helping – now I just have to figure out how I could persuade to help!
Glad yo got it done! I also pin the batting backing along the edges and use these large safety pins – purchased in error – for the job. Looking forward to seeing the quilting!
Small spaces are challenging, glad you figured it out and had help from Your Guy. Looking forward to seeing the finished quilt.