We both have the same
goal in mind - a quilt that you can be proud of and be happy to show off. To
help achieve this -- please take a look at the following steps to prepare your
quilt for longarm quilting. The finished quilt will be better for it...
** Do not pin, baste or otherwise layer your top, backing or batting -- the quilting process takes care of this for you **
Quilt Top Preparation:
•BORDERS. Please apply your borders by measuring first and cutting border strips to the measurements before sewing -- not sewing long strips and then trimming the excess. The second method results in wavy borders with excess fabric which will pleat when quilted. If you need help with this please ask!
•Press the top well, making sure all seams are flat and facing in the desired direction.
•Remove any embellishments such as buttons or beads -- unless you check with me first!
•Trim off any trailing threads; darker threads will show through any light areas.
•If it matters and it is not completely obvious, clearly mark the "top" end with a safety pin.
Backing:
•IMPORTANT - Backing must be square and have all selvages trimmed away. You will lose fabric in the "squaring up" process so make sure you start with enough!
•Once square, measure again to ensure backing is still at least 3" wider and longer than the top ON EACH SIDE. [Example: if your top measures 90 x 90, then your backing must measure at least 96 x 96].
•Please use 100% cotton. Other choices stretch differently and can cause tucks and puckering. Bedsheets are not acceptable.
•If piecing, please use 1/2 inch seams and press open.
•Starts and stops are a natural part of machine quilting. A backing choice with at least some texture or pattern does a better job at blending these small variations than a plain muslin.
** Do not pin, baste or otherwise layer your top, backing or batting -- the quilting process takes care of this for you **
Quilt Top Preparation:
•BORDERS. Please apply your borders by measuring first and cutting border strips to the measurements before sewing -- not sewing long strips and then trimming the excess. The second method results in wavy borders with excess fabric which will pleat when quilted. If you need help with this please ask!
•Press the top well, making sure all seams are flat and facing in the desired direction.
•Remove any embellishments such as buttons or beads -- unless you check with me first!
•Trim off any trailing threads; darker threads will show through any light areas.
•If it matters and it is not completely obvious, clearly mark the "top" end with a safety pin.
Backing:
•IMPORTANT - Backing must be square and have all selvages trimmed away. You will lose fabric in the "squaring up" process so make sure you start with enough!
•Once square, measure again to ensure backing is still at least 3" wider and longer than the top ON EACH SIDE. [Example: if your top measures 90 x 90, then your backing must measure at least 96 x 96].
•Please use 100% cotton. Other choices stretch differently and can cause tucks and puckering. Bedsheets are not acceptable.
•If piecing, please use 1/2 inch seams and press open.
•Starts and stops are a natural part of machine quilting. A backing choice with at least some texture or pattern does a better job at blending these small variations than a plain muslin.
