You have spent a lot of time making your quilt top. And now it is time to have it quilted. Your quilt is important to you and to me. Listed below are the things that will help ensure the quality of your quilt.
Squaring The Quilt Top When loading a quilt onto a long arm machine it is important that the top and backing are perfectly square. If there are tucks or excess fabric in the quilt or if the borders are wavy when laying the top flat, these issues most often cannot be quilted out or away leaving puckers in the quilt top.
Backing & Batting Both needs be at least 4-6 inches larger than the quilt top on ALL sides after the quilt has been squared. Animportant decision when choosing a backing is -to consider the backing design and color thread. I use the same color thread on the top and the back of the quilt. Most try to coordinate the quilt top and the backing so the thread choice will look good on both sides. I do not quilt on sheets. If your backing needs to be pieced together, sew the seam using a 1/2 inch seam allowance, not including the selvages. After removing selvages press seam open.
Check The Seams Seams on the edge of the quilt could come apart when attaching the quilt to the rollers. To ensure seams do not open, back stitch seams that are on the edge of the quilt.
Press Quilt Top If seams are pressed, this will add to the overall look of the quilt.
Trim Threads Trim any lose threads. Dark threads can and usually show through under lighter fabric.
Embellishments Buttons, beads etc. can be added after the quilt is quilted. If the embellishment is already on the quilt I will use a unique foot to try to avoid any contact but can not guarantee it would not happen.
Specific Fabric Direction- If you have a directional preference please include that information on order form plus when we consult. I will do my best to honor your requests but can not guarantee 100% accuracy due to shifting during quilting process.
Scalloped Borders If you plan to have scalloped borders the quilt needs to be quilted prior to you cutting out the scallops. We can discuss this technique,
Competition Quilting If you know you will be competing in a particular show or venue were there is specific techniques required please provide that information during pre-quilting consultation.