Although a quilt can be quilted in almost any condition, well-prepared pieces will produce the best results ... and save you money in the long run. The following tips will help assure greater satisfaction with your finished piece. Remember to send your top and backing as separate pieces. Do not baste, pin or tack the layers together.
Note - if you are shipping your quilt project to me, be sure to include your name, address, and phone number on the inside of your package, as well as the outside. I have not had any problems with the delivery service of either the USPS or UPS ... but it's better to be safe than sorry.
Click a button on the left to find further information about preparing your project for long arm quilting.
Note - if you are shipping your quilt project to me, be sure to include your name, address, and phone number on the inside of your package, as well as the outside. I have not had any problems with the delivery service of either the USPS or UPS ... but it's better to be safe than sorry.
Click a button on the left to find further information about preparing your project for long arm quilting.
TACKLING THE TOP:
1. Press and square your quilt top
2. Remove excess threads from your quilt top, both right and wrong sides.
3. Press all seams. I suggest the use of spray sizing to help keep them lying in the right direction.
4. If your quilt top has several seams along the outside edge, it is a very good idea to stay stitch the edges. This helps prevent stretching and pulling apart seams, thus assuring maintenance of accurate outside measurments.
5. Though it is not necessary, some customers prefer to attach 2-4" wide muslin strips to all sides of the quilt. This allows me to more easily quilt right up to the edge; or, you may choose to add an inch or two to the width of your outside border that can be trimmed off before you bind your quilt.
6. Indicate the top of your quilt by marking with a pin, tape, note, etc. This is essential for directional pieces.
1. Press and square your quilt top
2. Remove excess threads from your quilt top, both right and wrong sides.
3. Press all seams. I suggest the use of spray sizing to help keep them lying in the right direction.
4. If your quilt top has several seams along the outside edge, it is a very good idea to stay stitch the edges. This helps prevent stretching and pulling apart seams, thus assuring maintenance of accurate outside measurments.
5. Though it is not necessary, some customers prefer to attach 2-4" wide muslin strips to all sides of the quilt. This allows me to more easily quilt right up to the edge; or, you may choose to add an inch or two to the width of your outside border that can be trimmed off before you bind your quilt.
6. Indicate the top of your quilt by marking with a pin, tape, note, etc. This is essential for directional pieces.
AN IMPORTANT WORD ABOUT BORDERS:
Taking a little extra time when constructing borders will contribute to a more beautiful finished piece.
Determining the length of fabric needed for well-fitting borders requires measuring the length of the quilt in at least three separate places – the center and the two sides.
These measurements are then averaged and the result is the measurement of the first two borders.
(1) + (2) + (3) = Total /3 = Measurement of Border Strip
For accurate placement, find and mark the center and the two points equal distance between the center and the ends of each side of the quilt top and its corresponding border.
Match these points and pin. Ease any fullness between quarter marks as you finish pinning. Stitch.
Press seams toward borders. Repeat this process for the remaining two borders. Use this technique as you attach each border and your final project will be without those unattractive “wavy” borders.
Taking a little extra time when constructing borders will contribute to a more beautiful finished piece.
Determining the length of fabric needed for well-fitting borders requires measuring the length of the quilt in at least three separate places – the center and the two sides.
These measurements are then averaged and the result is the measurement of the first two borders.
(1) + (2) + (3) = Total /3 = Measurement of Border Strip
For accurate placement, find and mark the center and the two points equal distance between the center and the ends of each side of the quilt top and its corresponding border.
Match these points and pin. Ease any fullness between quarter marks as you finish pinning. Stitch.
Press seams toward borders. Repeat this process for the remaining two borders. Use this technique as you attach each border and your final project will be without those unattractive “wavy” borders.
BACKING BASICS:
1. Make sure your backing material is at least 4-6" larger than your quilt top on all four sides.
2. Square the backing.
3. If you have a seam in the backing, I prefer that you press the seam to one side rather than pressing the seam open.
4. If necessary, inidicate the top of your backing by marking with a note, pin, etc.
5. Inform me if an item (block, label, etc) on the back of the quilt is to be centered.
6. The quilting is usually done with the same color thread on top & bottom. If you prefer to downplay the quilting pattern on the back of your quilt, choose a "busy" print.
7. I can prepare the backing for you if you require. You can send the fabric to me; or I can obtain it at your expense. Miscellaneous sewing fees are assessed per hour.
1. Make sure your backing material is at least 4-6" larger than your quilt top on all four sides.
2. Square the backing.
3. If you have a seam in the backing, I prefer that you press the seam to one side rather than pressing the seam open.
4. If necessary, inidicate the top of your backing by marking with a note, pin, etc.
5. Inform me if an item (block, label, etc) on the back of the quilt is to be centered.
6. The quilting is usually done with the same color thread on top & bottom. If you prefer to downplay the quilting pattern on the back of your quilt, choose a "busy" print.
7. I can prepare the backing for you if you require. You can send the fabric to me; or I can obtain it at your expense. Miscellaneous sewing fees are assessed per hour.
BATTING:
I offer quality batting with which my customers are pleased. Eighty/twenty polycotton is the most requested. I have this available in both natural and black. Also on hand are polydown, 100% cotton, 100% wool and Thermore. Other types of batting, including 100% cotton, silk and silk blends, and Warm and Natural can be ordered quickly at reasonable prices.
If you prefer to provide your own “favorite” batting, I ask that you make sure it is cut 4 – 6” larger than your quilt top on all sides. I also prefer one whole piece; if you must use small pieces of batting, it must be pieced together by you before I use it for quilting.
I offer quality batting with which my customers are pleased. Eighty/twenty polycotton is the most requested. I have this available in both natural and black. Also on hand are polydown, 100% cotton, 100% wool and Thermore. Other types of batting, including 100% cotton, silk and silk blends, and Warm and Natural can be ordered quickly at reasonable prices.
If you prefer to provide your own “favorite” batting, I ask that you make sure it is cut 4 – 6” larger than your quilt top on all sides. I also prefer one whole piece; if you must use small pieces of batting, it must be pieced together by you before I use it for quilting.
