Long Arm Quilting Preparation Checklist
Use this handy checklist to prepare your quilt before sending it in to us to be quilted. A well prepared quilt ensures a quick turn-around time and avoids any additional costs.
TOP
- Quilt top should be trimmed down to the final finished size.
- Trim all loose threads on the top and underside of your quilt.
- Measure your quilt across the top, bottom, and center. All measurements must be the same to ensure puckers do not occur in the quilting process. Borders that do not lay flat may cause tucks, pleats, or fullness. This is squaring up the quilt.
- Press seams well. BE SURE THE TOP LIES FLAT.
- Embellishments such as buttons, beads, and crystals can cause issues in the quilting process. Try to put them on after the quilting has been done. If you need to have them on beforehand, let me know right away.
- The three layers of your quilt will be loaded on the machine independently of one another. Please do not pin or baste them together.
- A row of stay-stitching, applied ¼ inch or less from the edge of the quilt will prevent stretching and will keep seams that extend to the edges from separating.
- If you do not stay-stitch around the top, please make sure the seams that extend to the edge are secure.
- Measure your top and include the size on a piece of paper when you bring your quilt in to be quilted. Pin it to the top of the quilt.
- Indicate if your top and or backing have a direction, mark with a paper pinned or to the fabric.
- Be sure to identify the top of your quilt and the top of your backing with a safety pin with a penciled note attached.
- Do not use tape on your quilt. It will leave a residue that might be difficult to remove.
BACKING
- Backing fabric must be at least 6”- 8” larger than the quilt top.
- Cut selvedges off of the backing fabric before seaming it.
- Be sure to select a good quality fabric for the backing as well. You have invested your time and money for a nice top and you will be disappointed if you scrimp on the backing.
- If you have seams in your backing, be sure to press them flat.
- Square up your backing.
- Be sure to identify the top of your backing with a safety pin with a penciled note attached.
- Bed sheets are not suitable for backing as the thread count is too high.
BATTING
- Batting should be 6”-8” larger than the quilt top.
- Thick comforter style batting does not quilt well in a longarm machine.
- Select a good quality batting that is thinner, such as Warm and Natural or Legacy. You have spent time and money to have a nice quilt. Do not scrimp here. You will be disappointed.
- I do carry batting so ask me if you need to purchase some.