For the best possible results, you will need to first do some simple things before giving me your quilt tops.
- Your backing should be 4 to 6 inches larger than the top on each of the four sides. It is very important for me to have the extra on all sides of your quilt backing while it is loaded onto the quilting frame. I usually trim the backing and batting down to an inch from the quilt top border after quilting to return it to you. All extra fabric backing fabric and batting over 2 inches in width will be returned to you. If you would rather I not trim for you, please let me know.
- Please snip loose threads from the back and front of your quilt top. Dark threads may show through lighter fabrics and cause "shadows". Those threads that have come through seams on the top may catch on the longarm machine and cause problems while quilting.
- Press your top and backing and make sure all seams are pressed flat. Especially make sure you press the crease on backing fabric where it's folded on the bolt. If the top is not pressed before I get it, I will need to charge for the time it takes to press seams flat and take out heavy creases (this includes backing fabric as well). I will always consult with you before charging for this service.
- Do not baste your quilt or use spray adhesive to create the quilt "sandwich". I load each piece separately so they should come to me separately.
- Please indicate the top of your quilt and the top of your backing if the direction is important.
- If your backing is seamed in any way, please remove all salvages from the seams. The selvage is woven tighter than the rest of the fabric and may cause puckering, is hard on the needle and will shrink at a different rate. You may leave the selvages that are on the edges of backing (will not be quited inside the quilt), in fact they make it easier for me to load the quilt square.
- Please make sure both your quilt top and backing are square and lay flat. It is very important for your quilts to be square and lay flat. If they are not, this could cause pleats or puckering in your quilts when I quilt it. I will measure the tops and backings for accuracy and will consult with you if your quilt does not lay flat. Ask me how to measure and put on borders which eliminated those wavy borders. When a border is just sewn onto the quilt with no measurements, it causes the fabric to wave and this is very hard to quilt on the frame and may cause puckers and creases in the quilting.
- If you are providing your own batting, please make sure the batting is 4 to 6 inches larger than the top on all four sides. You are always welcome to use my batting since it comes on a large roll and does not have the creases that packaged batting has.
- It is not necessary, but it may help to stay-stitch 1/4" around the edge of your quilt top to help prevent stretching while quilting. This especially helps if you're borders are pieced. The stay stitch will help keep those seams from opening up on the edge of your quilt.
- Always remember that quilting, especially dense quilting, will shrink your quilt by at least 5%. If you are measuring your top for a specific length and width, make sure you make it an inch or two more to compensate for the shrinkage.
