Basting for Quilting

Today I will be busy machine quilting. Yesterday, I spent time crawling around on the floor, busy getting my quilt ready. I like to tape the backing to my hardwood floor keeping it straight with the floor boards. Then I smooth the batting and finally the quilt top over the backing. Because I want the edges of my quilt to be straight, I spend time measuring and squaring up the outside edges of the quilt. If there is excess fabric, this will have to be eased into the center when I quilt. I hand baste approximately 1/4" from the outside edges and pin baste the rest of the quilt.