1. Keep all 3 layers separate.  Do not sandwich or spray baste your quilt

 

2.  The backing fabric should be at least 3"+ larger on all sides, this is a must to attach the quilt to the bars of the long arm machine. If possible try to make the stretch of the fabric go horizontal.  Batting should be 2"+ larger on all sides. Minky or Plush backing needs to be 4" larger on all sides.  

(Note: You can keep over sized fabric backing and batting in one piece to be trimmed after)

 

3. The quilt top and backing should be carefully pressed and all loose threads should be clipped. This is really important and can make a big difference in the final look of the quilt.  Keep in mind loose threads and animal hair can show through lighter fabrics.

 

4. Mark the top of the quilt or backing with a safety pin if it is directional

 

5. If you have pieced borders, please stabilize the edges by stitching 1/8" from the edge. This will ensure that the pieced seams do not pull apart during quilting.

 

6. You are welcome to bring your own new batting.  We have 100% unbleached cotton, 100% bleached cotton, 80/20 cotton/poly, 100% polyester, 50/50 cotton/bamboo, 80/20 cotton/wool, and 10% wool.  Prices range from $10 -$20 meter.  I do not pre-wash batting.  There will be a 5% shrinkage on the 100% cotton, which will give you the antique look once washed.  If you would like to avoid this you must pre-treat your batting.  Some batting's with dark flecks in them can show through on lighter fabrics.  Fluffs from batting may poke through on darker backings.

 

7. If you piece your backing make sure to trim the selvages off as they shrink unevenly when you wash the quilt, and create a puckered line. Use a ½” seam allowance and press the seam open. Please no bordered backings as I am concentrating on your quilt top and they do not always end up evenly spaced all the way around.

 

 

Keep in Mind...

- Quilt tops should lay flat and be square to avoid puckering when quilted.  I will do my best to blend tucks, puckers and stretched areas. I use techniques like steaming and starching. Occasionally I need to make folds in wavy borders so they lay flat (I try to do this at existing seams).

Excess fabric in borders can result in puckering. Fullness and puckers pieced into the quilt top cannot necessarily be quilted out. I will do my best, but tops with fullness and puckers may still have them after quilting is completed.

- Let me know if it will be okay to quilt on your applique or embroidery. Heavy applique can not be stitched through

- Let me know if you want me to center the quilt top to seams in backing fabric, or off center to get the most selvage fabric

- Batik Fabric isn't always the best choice for backing. The tight weave sometimes causes punch holes and bad thread tension on the back of your quilt.

- Minky backing fluffs sometimes pull through to the front of the quilt when stitched

- I top stitch t-shirt memory quilts on a case by case basis.

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