Before quilting, one step makes all the difference in achieving a straight, smooth result: basting the quilt. Among the different methods available, we particularly love the pin basting method using curved safety pins.

Why? Because it works for all quilt sizes, requires very little equipment, and is easy to master even for beginners. It’s also a more eco-friendly option than spray basting.

Valérie shows you how to baste your quilt using the pin basting method — her favorite technique for creating a stable quilt sandwich that’s easy to quilt.

Note: This video is available in French only. You can activate English subtitles directly on YouTube.

The quilt sandwich refers to the three layers that will be quilted together:

• the backing
• the batting
• the quilt top

The goal of basting is to keep these three layers perfectly aligned, without wrinkles or tension, making quilting easier—whether you’re quilting on a domestic machine or a longarm.

• Assembled quilt top
• Batting: allow about 2–3 inches extra on all sides compared to the quilt top
  → Need help choosing?
• Quilt backing: allow about 4 inches extra on all sides
• Curved safety pins / curved basting pins
  → approximately one pin every 3–4 inches, in rows
  → the curved shape makes pinning easier and helps keep the quilt flat
• Masking tape (painter’s tape)
  → ideally wide (≈ 2 inches) and low-tack

Place your safety pins already opened in a bowl before you start. It will save you a lot of time while basting.
And of course, once you’re done, store them safely out of reach of children and pets.

Trim the corners so they are perfectly square using a quilting ruler. This helps keep everything aligned right from the start.

On a flat surface, place the backing wrong side up, then secure each side with masking tape. Smooth the fabric carefully without stretching it—the backing should be flat, but never under tension.

Place the batting centered over the backing, then smooth it gently with your hands to remove air bubbles and wrinkles.

Pin all three layers together using one pin every 3–4 inches, arranged in even rows.

Start at the center and work toward one end, then from the center toward the opposite end, smoothing outward as you go.

The larger the quilt, the closer together the pins should be.

For wide backing fabrics made from joined panels, vary the pin height slightly to avoid placing tension repeatedly on the same grain line.

Once all the pins are in place, remove the masking tape. Your quilt is now fully basted and ready for quilting!

The pin basting method is a simple, effective, and accessible way to create a stable quilt sandwich. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll see—it’s a small effort that makes a big difference when it’s time to quilt.

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