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FAQ
THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
Preparing your quilt top for long arm quilting
Quilt top
-Be sure the quilt ends are squared off and even on all sides
-Clip and remove all loose threads. A lint roller helps.
-Press the top so seams lie flat, this lessens pleats and tucks when quilted.
-Seams should be secure. If seams have opened up, they will catch the foot of the long arm machine and cause damage to the machine.
-Stay stitch 1/4 inch around all 4 sides if no border is applied. This helps any seams from unraveling.
Backing
-Be sure your back is 8 inches wider on the sides and the length of the quilt top. For example, f your quilt top is 36 X 48, you would need a backing fabric 44 X 56 inches. This is needed for the quilter to clamp the fabric during the quilting process. If the fabric is the same size or only slightly larger the quality of the quilting will be impacted.
-The backing needs to be squared with straight and even edges.
-When piecing the back, please trim all selvages off as they pucker the seam and it will not lay flat.
-Press out creases and press seams flat.
Batting
-Batting should be high quality and must be cut to the same size as your backing fabric. If you are unsure of what batting you should buy, know that I have batting for sale at comparable prices to fabric stores and that buying from me will decrease shipping costs of sending me your quilts.
Border First Aid
-When applying a border to your quilt, measure the length of the quilt on both sides and in the middle. Average the measurement if necessary. Cut 2 equal lengths of fabric and pin the border on in half then quarters then eights to aid in placing the border without excess fabric or bunching. Stitch and press the border seam to the border. Then measure the width of the quilt as above and cut 2 equal amounts of border fabric. Pin in half, quarters and eights as needed and stitch and press. This should help to avoid bunching and waving of borders. It should also help with squaring the quilt. If you have questions about this process, let me know how I can help you.
Instructions about how to send the quilt top and back:
Checklist:
Press all seams as flat as possible.
Trim any loose threads.
Measure the quilt and backing. The backing should be 8 inches larger than the top on two sides so that there is 4 inches all around the quilt edges. Assemble backing and trim any selvage edges off.
Buy quality batting. I sell Hobbs batting in a cotton/poly blend, 100% cotton and wool. My prices are comparable to quilt stores and will save you shipping weight.
If there are last minute instructions, include those in the shipping container.
Place the quilt top and backing in a water proof bag and ship to me via USPS, UPS or Fed Ex. It is good to have a tracking number to trace if it gets lost in transit. Let me know when you send it and I will watch for it.
If you have any questions, you can call me.
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