LONG ARM QUILTING INFORMATION

We offer computerized edge to edge, long arm quilting services priced

per square inch at $0.02 (multiply the length by the width). 

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Proper preparation of your quilt top and quilt back are essential to a good result,

so please read the following instructions carefully.Please no pinning or basting

as the three layers of your quilt will be loaded on the machine independently

of one another. There are some preparation steps that must be followed to ensure

your quilt turns out incredible! 

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General

• For best results and to avoid additional charges, we ask that quilt tops and backs are brought in clean, pressed, and free of strong odors, noticeable lint and loose threads or pet hair. 

• The batting and backing should measure at least ten inches longer and ten inches wider than your quilt top. For example, if your quilt measures 60″ x 80″, the batting and backing should measure at least 70″ x 90″. This is an essential step for long arm quilting because it allows the machine to quilt off the edges of your quilt and still have something for the clamps to grab onto.

• If you have washed any of the fabrics in your quilt it is recommended that you wash all of them, including your backing fabric. Batik in particular quilts better if it is washed to remove the wax and prohibit dye transfer.

• Press both your quilt top and your backing fabric well. Then neatly fold and drape quilt over a hanger or bring in a bag. This will help your quilt travel well and allow us to get your quilt on the long arm machine quicker!  

 

Quilt Top

• Press seams well. Be sure the top lies flat. Ripples and places with excess fabric will usually not quilt flat. Take special care that the borders do not ripple or wave as quilting may result in puckers or pleats of the fabric.

• Check your piecing for open seams as you work, making sure all seams are sewn closed. The long arm machine can't detect open seams and may get caught in the gaps; damaging the fabric, and the machine!

• The top should be free of embellishments such as buttons, beads, crystals, etc. We also do not recommend long arm quilting for quilts with loose edge appliqué designs. 

• If your quilt has a specific direction it should be loaded on to the machine, please be sure to tell us by pinning a note to the quilt.

• A row of stay stitching, applied ¼ inch or less from the edge of the quilt, will prevent stretching and will keep seams that extend to the edges from separating. ( Optional – but Recommended!)

 

Batting

• Please check that the batting is suitable for machine quilting. Ensure the proper size as noted above.  We do not like to use extra loft polyester batting due to the way it looks when quilted on a long arm machine. We prefer wool or cotton poly blend 80/20.

 

Backing

• If you are seaming your backing, we recommend trimming off the selvage before sewing together. For best results use a seam allowance between 1/4 and 1/2 inch, then press the seam open. Your backing should have straight edges, with opposite edges parallel. Corners should be right angles. Top and bottom edges should be straight.

• Please note that often times the 108 wide fabric can be very wrinkly when cut off the bolt or packaged. You have the option to iron your own backing or we can iron it for a charge.

• Be aware that it is not possible to perfectly center the top over the backing in both directions. A backing with a center monogram, or with a border, is likely to be “off” in the final product.

• THREAD used on the back side will be the same as the top thread. (Top and bottom threads that contrast result in the appearance of specks of the opposing color.)

• There are rarely mechanical issues, however, it is a machine and the possibility exists that a problem could occur and cause damage to your quilt top and /or backing. You understand this when you give us your quilt top.

 

 

 Checklist for taking your quilt to a long arm quilter: 
•  Top and backing is pressed and clean, threads clipped
•  Top and backing are accurately squared

•  Backing and batting are at least 8-10” larger than the quilt top 

•  Top edges of backing and top are marked, especially if directional

•  Consider theme, designs and patterns for the quilting.

•  Decide on threads and batting. Discuss this with the quilter.

•  The more you plan and articulate to the quilter, the happier you’ll both be. Communicate any ideas or thoughts you have.