I have my quilt top DONE! I will post a picture soon. But now I'm trying to figure out what batting to use--I've read the Heirloom Machine Quilting book, and I know she recommends 100% cotton batts... I want to machine quilt diagonals across the top... it's a full-size Trip Around the World and I want to do diagonal squares that get bigger and bigger... it'll be about 3" apart, the individual pieces are 3.5" square.

I am going to go shopping today for batt, but looking online at JoAnns, I found this Mountain Mist fusible batting and I'm wondering if that would work?? I don't have a super big table to lay things out on, my kitchen table is only about 4' square.

Any suggestions?? I'm super nervous and don't want to mess up my top!!

Thank you SO much and I also want to say I love this forum!! You are all so kind!!
~Natalie

Natalie,

My favorite quilt batting is Warm and Natural, available on bolts from JoAnn Fabrics. It is 100% cotton, washes without bunching and feels so comfy. I pin baste.

I have used Mountain Mist with success, too.

I tried the fusible kind on smaller projects and I liked the way the layers stuck together withour shifting, but it was a bit stiff to work with and I found it was difficult to repostion sometimes. I have not tried it on a larger quilt. You may like it, though, as this really is an area of personal preference.

I like to quilt diagonal lines with my walking foot. It has traditional look and feel to me and I have found it easiest to do on my basic Brother machine.

I always make a small sample practice "quilt" at least 12x12 inches with my top fabric, thread and batting choice and a plain backing to see how it will look and work together. I usually sew on a back and stuff this sample to make a quilted toss pillow to go with my quilt.

When you go to the store, talk options with the employees and go with what seems good for you.

BTW ... I still consider myself an "experienced beginner" and will for a long time, as I have been quilting only three years and have found the more I learn, the more I realize there is to learn ...

Happy Quilting, <3 Pat

Natalie-

Are your floors carpeted? If so, vacuum really well and, using T-pins, pin the backing fabric face down to the carpet, being sure to stretch it taut while pinning. Lay the batting down next, being sure to smooth. Finally lay the top down. Start your basting, whether with safety pins or needle and thread, from the center working out to the edges.

Another option would be to make arrangements to use the tables at church. Most churches have 8-foot tables that can be set up in the parish hall. Shove enough together, that the quilt sandwich can be layed flat.

Using masking tape or painter's tape, tape the backing fabric, again keeping it taut as you go, to the table. Make your quilt sandwich on top. This is how I work as I am no longer able to wrestle around on th floor.

If this were my quilt, I would avoid doing it on a 4-foot table. It is next to impossible to keep the fabrics taut and avoid puckers; plus you run the risk of stretching the batting by allowing it to drape over the sides. As much work as you have put into this project, this is one of the most critical stages to do properly.

I opened a pack of Dream Cotton batting yesterday - first time I'm using it and it feels absolutely gorgeous - bought it ages ago and have been keeping it for something special. Usually I just use what we can get here which is the Warm and Natural which is great - easy to quilt through.

Mary

I haven't been on here for a couple of weeks and I just wanted to update! I havne't quilted for a couple of weeks, either-- my wedding planning has kind of taken over...making the boutonierres and corsages, invitations, etc...

I made a 12" Lemoyne star block and bought a crib size roll of batt. I can't remember what brand it is for the life of me and I'm not at home. Anyway, eventually I'm going to test that and use it for a pillow, but I don't think this quilt is going to be done before the wedding on May 17th!!!

I like the Warm and Natural the best too.

And I do the floor/stretch on the carpet method since my table is usually not wide enough....long enough though.

Actually did my child's quilt today on the floor, though I could have used my dining table. I've just become more more comfy on the floor where I can stretch it well.

ruth