Quilt basting is a crucial step in the quilting process, ensuring that the quilt top, batting, and backing stay securely in place during the quilting process. While there are various methods to baste a quilt, one popular technique is floor basting. Floor basting provides ample space and allows for a smooth and even basting process. 

I have tried several different ways to baste including basting on a table, and on the wall but doing it the floor is still the best method for me. 

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through my process of basting on the floor. If you baste on the floor too, drop in some tips! If you’re a beginner quilter and wonder how you can baste a quilt, I hope this post will give you a better idea.

Benefits of Floor Basting: 

1. Ample Space: Unlike other methods that might require a smaller workspace, floor basting allows for more extensive quilt layouts. You can easily spread out your quilt layers, ensuring proper alignment and avoiding any wrinkles or folds.
2. Accessibility: Working on the floor eliminates the need for bending over or reaching across large surfaces. This accessibility provides better control and precision during the basting process.
3. Versatility: Floor basting works well for quilts of all sizes, from small baby quilts to large bed-sized creations. It allows you to work on any project without limitations.

For this basting tutorial, I am going to demonstrate with photos of my basting process for this colourful house quilt which I talked about earlier in this post HERE>

While floor basting offers many benefits, such as ample space and accessibility, it also has a few potential disadvantages:

1. Physical Strain: Basting on the floor can require prolonged periods of kneeling, sitting, or crawling, which can put strain on your back, knees, and joints. This can be uncomfortable, especially for individuals with mobility issues or physical limitations.
2. Floor Surface Limitations: The type of floor surface you have may affect the success of floor basting. Uneven or rough surfaces can make it challenging to achieve a smooth and wrinkle-free quilt base. Additionally, if you have carpeted floors, the fabric layers may not lay as flat or secure as they would on a hard surface.
3. Floor Cleanliness: Ensuring a clean floor surface is crucial for successful floor basting. Dust, pet hair, or debris on the floor can transfer to your quilt layers, potentially causing stains or affecting the overall appearance of your quilt.
4. Lack of Adjustability: Once you’ve positioned your quilt layers on the floor, making adjustments can be cumbersome. If you need to make changes or fix alignment issues, it may require rearranging the entire quilt layout, which can be time-consuming and frustrating.
5. Limited Accessibility for Some Quilters: Floor basting may not be suitable for everyone, particularly individuals with physical limitations, such as back or knee problems. It may be challenging for them to maneuver on the floor and perform the necessary tasks involved in basting.

Despite these disadvantages, many quilters still find floor basting to be a viable and efficient method. It’s important to consider your personal circumstances, physical abilities, and the condition of your floor surface before deciding if floor basting is the right choice for you.

Here is a step-by-step on how to baste on the floor.