So you finished your quilt top... awesome!
Quilt Top
There area a few things you can to do to prepare your quilt top to achieve the best results.
- Press all your seams flat
- Make sure your quilt is square
- Sew across any seams in your outer border to reinforce
- Remove all thread tails especially if they show on the quilt top
The problem that occurs most often is unsquare borders. This causes your border fabric to ripple and wave instead of laying flat like the center of the quilt. This can result in unsightly puckers and creases in your quilt.
Measure your quilt at the top, middle and bottom. All 3 measurements should be the same number. If they are not, please fix your borders before you bring it to be longarm quilted.
Batting
I'm not going to tell you what kind of batting to put in your quilt. Everyone has a preference and budget. If you are new to batting, there are a lot of great informational websites out there. Like this one: https://weallsew.com/quilt-batting-101/
If you choose a cotton or bamboo batting, I request that it measures at least 8" wider and longer than your quilt top in total (4" on each side). If your quilt top is 50 x 60, bring a batting that is at least 58 x 68. Larger sized batting is fine. You don't need to cut down an oversized batting.
If you choose a polyester batting, I request that it measures 10" wider and longer than your quilt top
Backing
Cotton, Double wide, pieced, scrappy, fireside, minky, flannel, fleece… it makes no difference to me!
The one thing that matters the most is SQUARE. Square up your backing. If you piece your backing together, don't leave one end sticking out farther. Trim it up as best you can and press it. It makes a big difference to me!
If you choose a cotton backing, I request that it measures at least 8" wider and longer in total than your quilt top. (4" on each side)
If you choose a minky or stretch backing, I request that it measures at least 10" wider and longer in total than your quilt top
Other tips
- Remove all pins because... OUCH! Sometimes it's my fingers that find them and sometimes it's my machine needle. Either way, they hurt
- Sew buttons on after. If your quilt has dimensional items, it's best to wait until after it's quilted before sewing them on.
- Make sure your applique edges are secured with a blanket or zig zag stitch.
- You do not need to baste your layers together. Each quilt layer is loaded onto separate rollers on the longarm frame.
That's It
That wasn't so hard. Now just bundle it all up and come see me!
If you are a returning customer, you can bundle your quilt up in one of my reusable bags. I love to see my customers re-use their bags. They are exactly the perfect size for the job! It's my gift to you with your finished quilt.
Well, I hope to see you soon!