How to Prepare Your Quilt for Longarm Quilting

QUILT TOP

  • Please make sure that your quilt top is pieced carefully.  If you have areas where there are puckers or doesn't lie flat it, it may create puckers when quilting.  Make sure that your sides are the same width and the same length.
  • If you have bias seams along the outside or a lot of seams along the outside edge of your top, stay stitch 1/8" to prevent stretching and to keep the seams from coming apart.
  • Press the back of your quilt top.  This is a good time to check all your seams and make sure that they are not coming apart. 
  • Trim all loose threads that are on the top of your quilt. 
  • All seams should be pressed flat.  Do not press your seams open if you want your quilt to be "Stitched in the Ditch".
  • Cut off all loose threads from the back of your quilt.  This will prevent dark threads from showing through light areas and taking away from the beauty of your quilt. 
  • If you want the quilt to lie in a certain direction on your bed,  with a safety pin, attach a piece of paper with the word "TOP" on it along the edge you want to go at the top of your bed. 

QUILT BACKING

  • If you are piecing your backing, cut any salvage edges off before making a seam.  The salvage edge won't stretch and if left on a seam may cause problems. 
  • Use 1/2" seam allowance.
  • Cut your backing and batting at least 8" bigger (width & length) than your quilt top and square it up.  If folded in half and laid on a flat surface, you should have 90-degree corners.

BATTING

  • I carry Quilters Dream 70/30. If you prefer a different kind, I can order it.  You may also supply your own. 
  • If you are supplying the batting, make sure it is at least 8" bigger (width & length) than your quilt top and square it up. 

Shipping Your Quilt Top

  • Place your top and back in a plastic bag before placing in the box.  Make sure to choose a box big enough to ship back the completed quilt. 
  • Enclose a return address label with all your pertinent information.  
  • Enclose your quilting instructions.
  • Once I recieve your quilt, I will call you and reconfirm the details of your order.


Contact Information
If you have any questions, you may contact me by calling 410-795-7926 or email me at judy@jrquiltingservice.com.   I look forward to working with you.