I'm not hand quilting any more, but when I did, I only pinned the back to the frame. Then I layered the batt and top on and pinned around the whole thing, pinning the 3 layers together, but not pinning the top to the frame. I never basted the quilt layers together, but might have placed a pin or two if there was a problem area. What is the point of basting if you are going to leave it on the frame? I'm assuming you're talking about a large frame with 4 poles and C-clamps to hold the corners together.

Sounds like you've done a great job preparing your quilt sandwich and putting it in the frame. Have fun quilting!!! Judy in Torrance

For those who responded, I got my quilt into the frame. Here's what I did. I used painter's tape to fasten the backing in place on my basement's pergo type floor. Then I layered on the batting and top. I started in the middle and worked out towards the sides safety pin basting all three layers. I wore knee pads as this took several hours. I had to take some breaks. Then I hand sewed the twill on the rails onto the ends. I sewed one side first then rolled it up towards the other side to make sure it was straight when I rolled it. My husband helped me roll so it didn't get skewed. Then I finished sewing the other side. I rolled the quilt in such a way that the part I will quilt is on the top of the rails, instead of on the bottom of the rails. We then carried the rails rolled with the quilt back upstairs and put into the frame. I have not started to quilt yet but it looks great and the back has no puckers. So far, so good. I have some digital photos if anyone you know needs help. I am looking forward to hand quilting over the holidays.

When I used to have a large floor frame, I would baste my quilt layers before putting it on the frame. Later floor frames had three rollers and no basting was required. On an old frame, you will need to attach strips of muslin to the two rollers. You will then attach your basted quilt to the muslin strips either with pins or large basting stitches. You will need to start quilting in the center of the quilt, unrolling and quilting to one end and then quilt from the center to the other end. Hope this helps. Judy in Torrance

I'm not sure, but I think you pin the backing on nice and tight. Then you layer the batting and top and pin it too. Then you must baste. As you quilt, you remove the basting and roll towards the center.

Do you have a whole room for this frame? How fun and nostalgic of old times! Good luck. Nancy in Western, snowy, cold NY

Dear Quilt Show members,
I am getting ready to hand quilt a 100" x 120" quilt. I plan to try to use an antique frame I inherited. Is it correct to only attach the backing fabric to the two long rails and then layer on the batting and top? Is it better to try to roll all three layers onto one rail first or lay the entire project out and simultaneously roll both sides towards the middle. I saw both methods on YouTube but am still not entirely understanding the best method. Are there any books with how to instructions?
thanks