Important information when preparing your quilt for long arm quilting
My quilting prices are based on the surface area of your quilt top. For a smooth process, please adhere to these fundamental longarm quilting requirements. Please ensure that your top, backing and wadding are presented in the following manner, ready to be mounted on the machine, without any extra work by me. My quilting prices do NOT include ironing, or measuring and cutting backings or waddings to the required size. However, if you wish me to do any of the items below, the cost will be $35 per hour:
Stay stitching – please machine stitch around all 4 sides of your quilt top, about ¼” in. This will help to stabilise the top, stop any side seams from popping open, and prevent stretching on the frame.
Quilt top – must be trimmed straight and square on all sides. Please measure to check that the lengths each side are the same, and the widths top and bottom are equal. Please measure all four sides of your top, and also the lengths and widths of your backing, and wadding, and bring your measurements with you.
Backing and wadding – must be cut straight and square, and 8 – 10″ larger than the length and width of your quilt top e.g. if your quilt top is 50″ x 60″, your backing should be at least 58 x 68, or 60 x 70 The wadding should be cut the same size as the backing. This excess is used for clamping the sides onto the quilting frame. I am happy to trim your wadding and backing if it is larger than this, however my hourly $ rate applies for this extra service.
Mark top of quilt – if your quilt or backing has a directional design, please attach a safety pin with a piece of paper marked “TOP” to show the proper orientation.
Quilt backing – if you have joined your backing, please make sure selvedges are removed first, and that the joins run horizontally, rather than having one vertical join down the length of the quilt top.
Ironing – Please iron your top and backing. If it is not ironed, I will quilt as is. If you wish me to iron it for you, my hourly fee applies.
Loose threads – please trim all loose threads on the quilt top, as they may be difficult for you to remove later once they have been quilted over. Also, make sure any loose threads on the back side of the top are trimmed, as they may show through to the front, especially if they are dark coloured.
Fullness – Quilting will not fix all piecing problems, such as fullness or puffiness in your top, or uneven, wavy borders. Please be aware that any fullness may result in puckers or tucks during quilting, unless you choose to redo these areas first. If there is only slight fullness, I will do my best to ease this in during the quilting process, so long as you are happy to accept any puckers, fullness or tucks that may result.
Pinning – Please do not pin or baste your top, wadding or backing together, as each has to be mounted individually on the quilting frame.
“When life gives you scraps, make a quilt”
