The authentic way to quilt is to have a large frame into which the whole coverlet is stretched. The frame itself is so simply constructed that every household used to have its own. Four smoothed pine strips 2 inches wide by 3/4 inch or 1 inch thick are cut in two lengths. Two long ones are possibly 9 feet long while the width pair may be 90 inches or only four feet.
This half width frame means that you can put only half of the quilt in at a time; it saves room, but may sacrifice some in quilting smoothness. Round pieces are excellent for these side pieces, especially when there are accompanying uprights with holes bored to fit which makes the frame rather like a table. Clamps are preferred to bolts for holding the corners securely.
The side bars of the quilting frames should have a fold of ticking or heavy muslin closely tacked their entire length. Pin or baste the quilt lining to these so it will not sag during the days of work to come, one side to each bar. If using the narrow width frame, roll up the extra length at one end; stretch and secure the corners firmly. A lining is better cut several inches larger than the quilts’ top as it may become frayed during this part of its useful history. Next the cotton bat is carefully unfolded and spread, and the top placed even more gently over this. Its edges are basted to the edge of the lining at the sides with perhaps a pinned on strip to wrap over the end for perfect smoothness. This is a step which requires precision, and discouragingly shows up any undue fullness or tightness that has occurred in your piecing. However, puffs will quilt down considerably. We saw a “Lone Star” that breezed up like a circus tent, quilt down to satisfaction.