Should I press my quilt top?

Yes, quilt tops should be “pressed” in an up and down motion, not “ironed” in the typical back and forth motion as this may distort the fabric.

Do loose threads on the front or back of the quilt top matter?

For best results, loose threads should be removed from the front and back of the quilt top. Especially when working with light colored fabrics, dark threads can show through the quilt. I will do my best to remove threads that I see while quilting, but can’t guarantee that I will notice all of them.

How large should my backing be?

Backing needs to be a minimum of 4-5 inches larger than your quilt top on all sides. or 8-10 inches longer and 8-10 wider than your quilt top.

Do I need to baste my top, batting, and backing together?

No, please don’t pin, sew or baste your layers together. Having each layer separate allows us to properly align them on the longarm.

Tip: Please indicate the top of your quilt and the top of your backing. This is especially important if the backing fabric is directional.

Can I supply my own batting?

Yes, you can supply your own batting, but you don’t have to, we have multiple batting options available for purchase. If suppling your own batting it needs to be at least 3 inches larger on all sides or 6 inches longer and 6 inches wider than your quilt top.

My backing has a seam in it, does the direction of the seam matter?

Ideally the seam would run horizontally across the quilt, as that creates the best result when placed on the longarm. Vertical or multiple seams can stretch differently during the quilting process. However, we know that sometimes having horizontal seams is not possible, due to directional fabrics, or backing that is made up of multiple pieces. Please make sure the backing seam is 1/2” instead of the standard 1/4” and that it is pressed open.

How long does it take to get my quilt back?

Although lead times can vary depending on number of quilts currently on hand, I know the excitement of waiting for a finished top to be quilted and do my best to get it back to you quickly. If you have a quilt that you need done for a last minute special gift, I will work with you to help you meet your desired date.

My quilt has wavy borders what do I do?

Choosing a loose pattern that has some movement such as a meandering/stipple pattern or a circular pattern will help to absorb some of the fulness. Excess waviness however can’t be completely fixed during the longarm process.

Tip for straighter borders: Before applying the horizontal borders, measure across the top middle and bottom of the quilt top. Add the three measurements and then divide the number by 3. That is the width of the border for the top and bottom. Pin the middle of the border to the middle of the quilt top and then pin to the right corner and then the left corner. Pin in between to secure all the fabric. For the vertical borders follow the same process measuring in the other direction.

My quilt doesn’t have a border does that matter?

If your quilt top pattern does not call for a border, please baste around the entire quilt top to secure the seams. Doing so prevents them from opening when the quilt top is pulled taut on the longarm. If seams have been back stitched basting is not necessary.