Guidelines for preparing your project for a long-arm quilter.
For printable PDF click here→ preparequiltop.pdf

Please follow these guidelines to ensure the best possible outcome for your project. Remember, machine quilting on a frame is different from using your home machine or hand quilting; your top, backing and batting must be as square as possible to line up with the rollers on the frame. Tops that are not squared up must be fixed before being quilted. If the borders of the quilt are full or wavy then you must expect tucks and pleats in your top as quilting will NOT correct fullness. Please don’t hesitate to call (604-485-2937) or email if you have any questions, I’m happy go over everything with you if you have any concerns.

TOP

  • Make sure all your seams are tight and all loose threads removed. Any loose threads can show through lighter fabric and if missed they will be quilted in and very difficult to remove!
  • Press the seams well and make sure they lay as flat as possible.
  • Check and remove all pins.
  • If you have bias edges on the outside then run a basting line 1/4” from the edge.
  • The top must be square to line up with the rollers. Check carefully and adjust if needed.
  • If there is a “top” to the quilt make sure to mark it with a safety pin
  • When pressed, carefully fold and hang on pant hanger.
BACKING
  • Please use good quality backing material - NO bed sheets or poly-cottons allowed. They are too dense and cause thread skipping and or breakage.
  • If you have pieced material together for the backing then make sure to remove the selvages completely and press the seam OPEN.
  • Pieced backings must line up at the edges-no ‘jogs’ where the two pieces of fabric were joined.
  • The backing must be square to line up with the rollers. Check carefully and adjust if needed.
  • Backing fabric MUST be at least 6” larger than the top on all sides. If your top is 60” wide and 72” long then the backing must be 72” wide and 84” long.
  • If there is a specific “top” to the backing make sure to mark it with a safety pin.
  • When pressed, carefully fold and hang on pant hanger.
BATTING
  • Please use good quality batting. Low to Med loft recommended.
  • Batting must be the same size (within an inch or so) of the backing.
  • Make sure the batting is square.
  • Some battings are heavily creased. Toss in a dryer and fluff for a few minutes.

For printable PDF click here→ preparequiltop.pdf