English Paper Piecing Basting Tip

Welcome,

No matter your basting technique, whether you glue baste or thread baste, whether you baste through your templates or around the back, the direction you baste your pieces is important.

Close up of front and back of star with interlocking tips

This post isn't about teaching you how to baste, but the importance of a consistent basting technique.

To ensure that all of your pieces nest neatly on the back as these do you need to baste in the same direction on every piece

Close up of basted diamonds

As you can see from these diamond backs I have basted all of them anti-clockwise - my direction of choice.  I baste EVERYTHING in this direction.

Close up of basted diamonds

I start at one side on every shape and move the piece in my hand clockwise so that I am basting it anti clockwise.

Close up of basted diamonds

As you can see from the font of the diamonds, all of the tails are going in the same direction.

Close up of front and back of star with interlocking tips

No matter the shape, consistent basting will ensure that the tails always lock into place and you will have a quilt that will lie nice and flat.

Happy Stitching
Vicki