Preparing Your Quilt

When finished quilt top is placed on a firm smooth surface it should lay flat. Any extra fullness may not completely quilt out and could result in small folds or tucks.

Make sure quilt top is square. When measuring quilt in all directions there should not be more than a 1/4" difference in any direction. Measurements should be taken at both ends and in the middle of both length and width and corner to corner (diagonally). Only minor adjustments can be made to compensate for out-of-square quilts. 

Make sure seams are secure, If there are loose seams, the machine will find them. If quilt top has no borders, please stay stitch 1/4" all the way around the outside edge of the quilt top (please do not use a serger for this step). This will keep seams from opening and prevents stretching when attaching to the quilt frame. 

Hopefully you did a good job of pressing seams all the way to the stitching without leaving small folds at the stitching line, and seams pressed towards the darker fabric whenever possible. Pressing a dark colored fabric towards a light colored fabric may show through quilt top.

 If quilt top or back is directional please mark the top of the quilt so I will know which way the quilting pattern should run.  If the backing has a top and bottom, please mark that also. You may pin a note to the quilt top with any specific instructions. 

Please wait to add any embellishments (sequins, bows, etc.) until after quilting. 

Batting must be at least three inches larger on all sides than quilt top. You are welcome to provide your own high quality batting.  Cotton or cotton-blend batting is preferred. High quality batting is available to add-on to your order if not provided.

Backing must extend at least 4" beyond quilt top on all sides. In order to attach quilt to the quilting frame, backing must measure at least 8 inches longer and 8 inches wider than quilt top. For example, if quilt top measures 70 inches wide and 80 inches long, the backing must be at least 78 inches wide and 88 inches long. 

When using Batiks, the best results are achieved when used on only one side of the quilt.

Pieced backings should be sewn with seams running horizontal and seams pressed open. Make sure to trim off all selvedges before stitching your seams.

Centering a pattern that appears on the quilt back is almost impossible and cannot be guaranteed.