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Preparing Your Quilt for Longarm Quilting

You've put a lot of love and energy into creating your quilt.  I know you are excited to see your work as a finished quilt.  To ensure beautiful results, I have included a few things to consider when preparing to send your quilt for Longarm Quilting.  

Quilt Top

Required:

  • Ensure your quilt top is pressed.  

    • I p​refer to press seams open on my own quilts, but you may also press the seam to one side or the other.

  • As you press, ensure your seams are sufficiently secured where there are no holes in the seams between pieces.  

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Recommended:

  • Clip stray threads or unraveling fabrics as best you can.

  • Stabilize quilt edge seams - especially quilts that are on-point or seams that are on a bias - by stitching a continuous line around the edge of your quilt, approximately 1/4" from the edge.

  • Alternatively, I can do the quilt prep for you for only $25 per quilt top. 

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Backing

Required:

  • Your backing must be 4" wider/longer on all sides. 

    • ​If your quilt top is 60"x80", your quilt back must be at least 68"x88".  

    • It can be bigger than +4" on each side, but not smaller.  Extra fees may apply if your quilt back is not large enough.

    • Your backing should be squared.​

  • Mark the  top:  Using a pin or piece of painters tape, mark which edge of the backing will align to the top of your quilt top.​​

Recommended:​​​

  • Pieced Backing 

    • If you are not using 108" wide whole cloth backing, put joining two or three pieces WOF, ensure your seam is horizontal for best results.

      • If you wish, I can piece  and square the back for you for $15 per seam.

    • Warning about scrappy backings:  I love the look of them, but it increases the chance there is extra fullness (areas of extra fabric volume) which can distort the quilting design and drape of the finished quilt.  Make sure your scrappy backing is square and lays flat without being manipulated.

Binding

If you have elected to have me sew the binding on the quilt for $25 per quilt, consider the following recommendations.

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Recommended:

  • Ensure the fabric is cut into 2.5" strips.

    • Cutting strips on the bias makes it more flexible, so it can adjust to any irregularities on the edge of the quilt.​

  • Sew the 2.5" strips into a continuous strip.  Iron in half, with two cut edges touching and right side of fabric on the outside.

 

Alternatively, I can make the binding for you for $25 in addition to the $25 machine binding fee.

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Still have questions?

I want you to have fun with this process and I want this to be the least stressful part of creating wonderful quilts.  My job is to make this as easy as possible for you. If you have questions on any of this information, do not hesitate to contact me.  I am happy to address any further questions or concerns you may have by email or text to set up a consultation.

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