Quilting In Thirds

Divide the quilt top into thirds. Fold the top in half and press with an iron to crease. Fold each side toward the center crease and crease the folds. Unfold the top. Mark a line 1" inside of each side crease. Do not quilt passed this line. Mark your quilting lines on the top after this step.

Fold and crease the backing fabric the same way you did the top. Roll up the backing vertically to the side creases and pin in place. 

Lay the batting over the top and mark the two side creases. Cut the batting into thirds. Flip the top over so the wrong side is showing. 

Lay one third of the batting on the center of the quilt. Lay the backing over the batting, lining up the center crease. Baste the center 1/3 of the quilt. 

Roll the top of the quilt towards the middle third and pin in place. Start quilting at the top or bottom and work to the opposite end. Remove basting thread and smooth the quilt as you go. 

Lay the quilt on a flat surface. Work on one side or the other. If the batting is distorted, trim it straight. Use batting tape or glue muslin strips to the top and bottom of the batting pieces to secure them. Unroll one side of the quilt and baste it. Work from the top or bottom middle to the outside edge, making sure to connect quilting lines from the center. Repeat for the opposite side.