Things to Know Before Bringing in Your Quilt Top
- All quilt tops should be pressed with loose threads clipped off.
- The backing MUST be 8-10" larger than the quilt top for both width and length. (Example - if your top is 60"x78" then your backing must be at least 68"x 86"). This includes ALL projects and is not size dependent. A placemat and a king size both require backings 8-10" larger. If your backing is smaller than required and we need to "make it fit", there will be an extra charge.
- There is a $35 charge for custom centering a top on a backing. ie - centering over a design or panel pieced on the backing
- Backings MUST be squared, with 90' corners and no irregular edges or overhangs, each side perpendicular and parallel to the other! If your backing needs to be squared in order to be loaded onto the table, a prep-work fee will be charged.
- If you wash your backing - measure and square the fabric AFTER washing. If measured before, you may be surprised that your backing is too small or becomes misshapen once washed.
- Do not baste or pin your quilt in any manner. Fold the top, the batting, and the backing separately. Do not use fusible batting or basting spray!
- If your quilt or backing is directional, please indicate the middle of the top edge of the top and the backing with post-it notes and safety pins.
- A longarmer cannot "quilt out" all irregularities, fullness, or wavy borders, but we will do our best to adjust our quilting to enhance the beauty of your piecing. I have yet to meet a "perfect" quilt. Don't worry that your top isn't perfect either! However, I encourage you to measure and piece your top carefully, thus avoiding uneven squares and borders. Blocks that are even a smidgen bigger than the surrounding ones can bubble above the others, borders that are poorly measured will be loose or wavy. These issues will not disappear with quilting. There may be puckers, tucks, or the quilt itself will not be square.
- Please keep in mind that each time I stop the machine, it delays the finishing of that quilt and ultimately the whole queue. I love talking with you guys but please try to have an idea of what design and thread color you may want when you come to drop off a quilt.
- *********************Quilting is an artform and as such, there are irregularities that occur. Although I use a machine to assist me, the human element is still at the forefront. Also, because I use a machine, there will be unforeseen issues that cannot be avoided. Broken needles acn cause a tear