- A quilt is a 3-layered fabric sandwich, and the first layer to make is the top. This is the part of the quilt that you see, with the design. Fabric is cut out in shapes to make the design, then sewn together in blocks or rows. The blocks or rows are then connected to make the quilt top. Border rows may be sewn to the outside to make the quilt larger or to enhance the design.
- Basting the quilt into the sandwich is the next step. A plain piece of fabric (the backing) the same size as the top is placed, right side down, on a table, floor, or other large, flat surface. A layer of quilt batting is then placed smoothly over the backing, and finally the top is placed over the batting, right side up. Using either safety pins or a needle and thread, all three layers are basted together. If pinning, pins are placed about 3 or 4 inches apart. If sewing, the basting stitches can be large and will be about 3 inches apart, creating lines both across and up and down. When the entire top is basted, the quilting can begin.
- If hand quilted, a hoop or quilting frame is used. The quilt is inserted into the hoop or frame tautly. Quilting stitches are sewn through all three layers, in any design desired. The quilting lines will often enhance or set off the quilt top design. If the quilt is to be machine quilted, a regular sewing machine or a quilting machine is used to create the quilting lines.
- When the entire quilt is quilted, the edges are trimmed evenly and a binding is sewn on all four quilt edges, much like the satin binding on the edge of any blanket. Finally, it is traditional to sew a label onto the back of the quilt, detailing the quilter's name, the date, location, the name of the quilt and any other important information about the quilt.
