How to Make a Sandwich Quilt

Quilting requires three layers sewn together to make up a quilt sandwich. The sandwich is comprised of the quilt top, the inner batting, usually made of cotton, and the rear backing. Quilt these layers together and you will ultimately have a quilt.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Find a large, clean area to lay down the backing. A kitchen table or the floor works best, depending on the size of the quilt.

2. Center the batting (the middle component of the quilt sandwich, which is usually made of cotton) and be sure it is larger than the backing and hangs evenly over the sides of the backing.

3. Add the quilt top and center it for quilting the three pieces together.

4. Pin the center of the three layers together. Then move six inches and place another pin. Continue to do this until you reach the edge. Work out in a cross pattern until you reach all four edges.

5. Decide whether you're going to hand quilt or machine quilt the sandwich and begin to quilt around the pins.

Tips & Warnings

• Machine quilting is a lot quicker than hand quilting and allows you to vary the traditional stitching.
• Tacking a quilt sandwich will allow you to machine quilt without running into the pins during quilting. Tacking requires a long stitch that will be taken out after a quilt is finished.
• As you're pinning, smooth out any bubbles to ensure they won't be there while you're quilting.