Quilt Preparation and Longarm Quilting Guidelines

Welcome to my longarm quilting service! I am excited to work with you and ensure that your quilt turns out beautifully. However, there is some general information to keep in mind before you submit your quilt top for quilting. Please take a moment to review this information to avoid any misunderstandings or unnecessary delays.

1. Pinning and Basting:

First and foremost, please do not pin or baste your quilt before sending it to me. That is part of my job, and I have the best tools and techniques for ensuring your quilt is properly  basted. When you prepare your quilt, please refrain from adding any additional embellishments until after the quilt has been quilted. This helps to make sure that the quilt will be as flat and square as possible, and that none of your embellishments will be damaged in the quilting process.

2. Pre-Washing Fabrics:

If you’re not already a “pre-wash” convert, I highly recommend preshrinking all your fabrics before cutting and assembling your quilt. Fabrics, especially ones in bold colors like reds, have a tendency to bleed when washed, which could affect the overall appearance of your quilt. Prewashing helps prevent this issue, and it also ensures that all fabrics in the quilt shrink evenly. If your quilt top and backing are made from unwashed materials, there may be a noticeable difference in shrinkage after quilting, which can distort the finished look of your quilt.

3. Border and Sashing Considerations:

As you assemble the blocks and pieces of your quilt, it is easy to stretch the outer edges of blocks and sashing. Additionally, depending on how accurate your seam allowances are, you may notice that the outer borders don’t quite match the dimensions of the pattern you are working with. Our goal as piecers and quilters is to create a quilt that is flat and square as possible. To ensure that your quilt turns out just as planned, take care to measure the center, top, and bottom of your quilt carefully. Calculate an average of these three measurements, and use this figure to determine the correct width for your top and bottom borders.

When you start pinning, begin from the center and carefully ease in any fullness as you move toward the outer edges. It’s essential to take your time to avoid any ruffled or wavy borders. Once the top and bottom borders are applied, repeat this process for the side borders. If your quilt has multiple borders, you’ll need to repeat this process for each one to ensure they all align perfectly.

4. Longarm Quilting Process:

Please keep in mind that all of my longarm quilting is hand-guided. This means that the quilting process relies heavily on my own expertise and skill rather than computerized precision. While I will do my best to ensure that your quilt is as flat and square as possible, it’s important to understand that longarm quilting will not “fix” any misaligned patchwork, uneven borders, or piecing that results in puckers or tucks in your quilt. If the quilt top is not properly pieced, it may result in uneven areas or wrinkles when it is quilted. If you have any areas of concern, please address them before sending the quilt for quilting.

5. Choosing Batting:

Selecting the right batting for your quilt is just as important as choosing the fabric for the top, or the color of thread you’ll use. The batting you choose impacts the finished feel and appearance of your quilt, and different types of batting are suited for different purposes. Consider how the quilt will be used when selecting your batting. For example, if the quilt is meant for frequent use or will be washed often, a durable, machine-washable batting may be the best option. On the other hand, if your quilt is more decorative, you may want to select a batting that gives it a soft, lofty feel.

For more detailed information on choosing and preparing your batting, feel free to visit my batting prep page. I also recommend checking out battingsupersale.com for high-quality batting at great prices.

6. Thread Preferences:

Unless otherwise specified, I use Sew Fine, or Bottom Line, Trilobal Poly Thread from Superior Threads for quilting. These threads are specifically chosen because they reduce thread buildup, maintain a smoother look on your quilt, and provide strong, consistent results. When you discuss your quilt with me, please be ready to talk about your thread preferences, including color choices. We can work together to ensure that the quilting thread complements your fabric and enhances the overall look of the quilt.

7. Setting Expectations:

Finally, communication is key. When we discuss your quilt, I want to make sure we are on the same page about thread choices, batting preferences, quilting designs, pre-shrinking, and costs. Being clear about your expectations up front will ensure that neither of us is disappointed with the final result. Following these guidelines carefully will also help ensure that the quilting process moves smoothly without delays or unexpected fees. By taking these steps, we can avoid the possibility of your quilt being placed back on the waiting list while corrections are made.

By following these general information preparation guidelines, you will help ensure that your quilt is ready for a professional longarm quilting experience. I’m excited to work with you and bring your quilt vision to life!