9patch Posted June 10, 2004 Report Share Posted June 10, 2004 Hi, I am very new at this forum stuff, and I think I messed up the first post I tried to do. If you think you already read this question, you probably did. But I can't find it. I only know enough here to be dangerous. Here's my question: Why would you want to float a quilt top? I have never tried this, and I am curious. Maybe I don't really understand what it is....so start with that!!! Thanks so much. I am starting to get addicted to this site, and I am home for the summer (teacher), so I will be back a lot. 9patch/Linda Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary Beth Posted June 10, 2004 Report Share Posted June 10, 2004 Hey 9-Patch, I am kind of new myself, I know just enough to be dangerous. When you float a top, you pin the bottom of the quilt to the #2 roller, like always. Then instead of pinning it to the take up roller, you baste a reference line across your batting and backing, then line the quilt top up with your reference line - pinning every 3 or 4 inches to keep it in place - then baste the top down keeping the edge even with the reference line of basing on your batting. (I can't believe I am the one telling you this). Do you have the book "The Ultimate Guide to Longarm Machine Quilting" by Linda Taylor? I have come to live by this book - if it is not within arms reach I begin to panic. Hope this helps, don't try it by my directions, wait until the more seasoned quilters post a reply. Have fun!! Mary Beth Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
9patch Posted June 11, 2004 Author Report Share Posted June 11, 2004 Thanks, Mary Beth, Yes, I do have the book and will check it out. I have a lot to learn. These forums, which I just found, are wonderful. But I gotta put the computer to sleep and go wake up a sewing machine. Thanks again Linda/9patch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary S Posted June 11, 2004 Report Share Posted June 11, 2004 One reason to float a top is that your top edge isn't pinned to the take-up leader, so you can quilt closer to the top edge because it's lying flat on the backing and batting. It's easier to control that edge if it's wavy or otherwise needs to be adjusted, too. Once I started doing that, I liked it well enough that I haven't pinned the top to the take-up since. Mary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
9patch Posted June 11, 2004 Author Report Share Posted June 11, 2004 Thanks, Mary, I am getting ready to load a top that I bought at an auction, one I am willing just to play with. I think I will try floating it. It's lap-size, so it is a good candidate for learning something new. I will let you know how it works out. Linda/9patch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeri Posted June 12, 2004 Report Share Posted June 12, 2004 Another reason to float a top is that it's easier on your hands. It's hard on your hands and wristis to work with 3 layers and get them all even. If you take Dawn's class you will find she likes to do all 3 at once as it can save some time. I have some nerve damage that affects my hands and found it works better for me to float the take up end. Try both ways and see what works best for you. Jeri Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
9patch Posted June 12, 2004 Author Report Share Posted June 12, 2004 I have finished pinning the backing and batting to the back canvas. I can already appreciate that it takes less wear and tear on the hands to be only handling the two pieces. I predict that this is the way I will be doing it in the future....if all goes well with this quilt. Very cool to learn something new. Linda/9patch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeri Posted June 13, 2004 Report Share Posted June 13, 2004 Linda, For me the little extra time it takes is definately worth it I figure it actually saves me down time due to pain, days that I can't use my hands don't make me any money. Back to my quilt, I took days off during the week so am working on Sunday. Jeri Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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