Layering & Basting
Press the quilt top and trim any stray threads on the back. Sew the two 33" x 50" rectangles together along the 33" length for the backing; press the seam open.
Spread the backing fabric with the night side down on a large smooth surface and tape the edges in place, stretching the fabric slightly so it's taut and wrinkle-free (but not stretched out of shape). Smooth the batting over the backing. Center the quilt top, face up, over the batting.
Baste the layers together with thread or secure them with safety pins -- space the pins about 6" apart (5). (To eliminate basting, use a fusible batting or secure the layers together with quilt basting spray.)
Machine Quilting
Thread the machine with white thread or clear monofilament nylon thread in the needle. Attach a walking foot if available, or engage the even-feed mechanism. Set the stitch length for 3 mm.
Begin quilting in the center and work
toward the edges. Refer to the Quilting Diagram (6) and stitch in the ditch along all seamlines. Begin and end each line of stitching with a backstitch.
To quilt the sashing and borders, set the machine for a serpentine stitch and stitch parallel rows down the strips. Use the edge of the presser foot as your guide for spacing the rows. Quilt the outer border after the binding is attached -- you'll be less likely to stretch it out of shape.
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