Quilt Top Preparation

Please use the following as a checklist to prepare your quilt top and other items to be submitted for longarm quilting:

Remember: the top, batting and backing material need to be separate to be loaded on to the longarm. Please do not pin your quilt sandwich together.

Quilt top

Press your quilt top well. Even if you are shipping your quilt top, a good press prior to submitting makes it easier to handle when it arrives.
Make sure all seams are secure. If you have a quilt without borders, a stitch-line at 1/4" around the perimeter of the quilt can prevent seams from letting loose as it is shipped, handled, loaded and rolled on the longarm.
If the quilt top is directional, please clearly mark which edge is the top. A note pinned with a safety pin is the most secure method to identify the top.
Snip any extra threads on front and back of quilt top as needed.
Not all issues can be "quilted out". If there is extra fullness or wavy borders, you will be contacted to discuss options, and cost (if applicable), for resolving those issues.

Backing fabric

Backing fabric should be 4-5" larger than the quilt top in all directions, so 4" longer at top, 4" longer at bottom, etc.
If backing fabric is directional or you have a preference, please clearly mark which edge is the top. Again, a note with a safety pin works great.
If backing is pieced, please make sure that selvages are cut off and seams are pressed open. If you do not designate a top, pieced backing will be loaded in the direction that is most conducive to smooth operation for the quilting process.

I prefer to provide the batting for your project to ensure compatibility with my longarm. I will review options (80/20, cotton, wool, etc.) and provide pricing as we discuss your project.
You may supply your own batting, however, low quality battings may be refused if they would cause issues for the longarm.
If you send your own batting, ensure that it is at least 4" larger than the quilt top on all sides (same as for the backing).