I use extra large binder clips to clip onto my table, and I use the thinnest table I can find. It’s also good to have masking or painter’s tape handy.

Even though I start basting at one edge of the quilt, I always work out from the middle of that edge. When smoothing out the quilt, batting, and backing, you want to always be smoothing away from the center and glued parts toward the edges as this introduces fewer wrinkles and puckers.

DO NOT STRETCH the backing, batting, or quilt top. You want it slightly taut, but not tight. If you over-stretch any of the components they will contract and wrinkle once you take it off the table. This leads to puckers and creases in the back while you’re quilting.

Spray the adhesive in sweeps, about 12-18’’ above the surface, as this gets wider coverage.

Check for bubbles and wrinkles before you move the quilt to the next position for basting – especially at the place where the adhesive ends and the not-yet-glued fabric begins. It’s easy to miss a small stripe of glue at that junction!

Smooth down the fabric and batting firmly to activate the adhesive and get the layers to stick. Some people recommend using a warm dry iron at this point to activate the glue. Personally, I don’t do this as I‘ve never had trouble with the glue coming unstuck!

Once you’re happy with the basting, you can trim back excess backing or batting. You can also roll up the raw edges and pin them down to make putting the quilt through your machine easier.

Now, go quilt that quilt!