Preparing Your Quilt for Machine Quilting
 

The quality of a finished quilt is dependant on a number of factors.
There are several things which you can do to assist the quilting process and ultimately improve the overall result.

Borders 

·         To prevent wavy borders 

·         Measure the quilt body through the middle and a minimum of 5” from each edge. If these measurements vary slightly average them. If the numbers vary by more than ½ “take more time to square up the blocks or quilt top.

·         Cut the border to the exact measurement required 

·         To attach, pin mark both the border and quilt top in quarters & match the pins. Repeat for all sides.
For a more detailed instruction refer to page 60 of Angles without Anguish by Linda Akehurst. (Copies available through The Patchwork Studio www.thepatchworkstudio.com.au)  

·         Fullness within the body of your quilt is caused by blocks of different sizes. This can be prevented by squaring up your blocks before joining them. 

·         If you have a pieced border, stay stitch ¼” around the edge of your quilt top. This helps keep the borders from stretching whilst being quilted.

Backing 

·         The backing and batting need to be at least 4" to 6" larger than your quilt top on all sides.  

·         Please cut the top and bottom edges of your backing so they are straight and square. This ensures the quilt goes onto the machine straight. Important for keeping the design straight with your top. If this is not done prior to sending to the quilting service it may incur a surcharge.

·         Cut off all selvedge’s including outside edges. NB: All pieced backings need to be cut along the straight grain to avoid stretching and sagging. 

·        All backing seams should be pressed open.

·        Clip and remove all loose threads from front side of the quilt top.
Loose threads may get caught in the machine which could cause your quilt to tear.
Dark threads will show through coloured fabrics when quilted so be sure to check the back of the quilt top.

·         Please make sure all of your seams are secure. 

·         Press your backing and quilt top well and fold them carefully.  Please do not layer top, batting and backing before folding.  Fold each piece separately.  

·         Do not baste your quilt.  

·         Mark the top of each piece, top and backing, with a safety pin.
 

·         Consider your quilting design – You will need to choose an edge to edge quilting design, or custom quilting. The option you choose will depend on the design and style of your quilt, the effect you want to achieve, and your budget.
Custom designs can be as elaborate or as simple as you require. Generally edge to edge designs are less expensive than custom designs.

·        Choosing your thread colour - Thread colour can be chosen to blend with the colour of your quilt top, or to give a strong contrast. Most long arm quilters have a range of thread colours from which you can choose.  

·         Pack your quilt and other supplies in a slightly larger box than is needed, so that the finished quilt can be returned in the same box.  Place quilt top inside a plastic bag inside the box to protect it from the possibility of being exposed to moisture during shipping.

Pricing