preparing your quilt for longarm quilting

It is my number one priority for you to be thrilled with your completed quilt. By working together, and following the tips below, we can make sure your quilt top is ready to load onto the quilt frame for longarm quilting.

The quilt sandwich (quilt top, batting and backing) is put together on the quilt frame during set up. If you are providing your own batting and backing fabric, please keep all layers separate so fluff from the batting does not get onto the quilt top or backing.

Quilt Top

Press and Trim: Press your top, trim loose threads and repair any loose seams.  Pressing from the back will help you direct your seams and allow you to trim any dark threads that may show through on a light background.

Measure: Measure the width and length of your quilt top. This will help with how much backing fabric and batting you need.

Stay Stitch:  If the top has a lot of seams on the outer edges stay stitch 1/8 inch from the edge for stability.

Which way is Up? Sometimes it is not obvious so it is helpful to mark the top of your quilt top with a safety pin. 

backing Fabric

Square the Backing Fabric: Backing fabric provides stability to the quilt top so it is very important to have your backing square so it stays that way when loaded onto the frame.

Is your Backing Fabric Big Enough? Your backing fabric should be 8 inches (20cm) longer and wider than the quilt top. This is to make sure there is enough room to attach the fabric to the quilt frame.

Pieced Backing Fabric? If you are piecing your backing it will be stronger when you use a ½ inch seam and press the seams flat. Try to have seams horizontal to your quilt top edge.

Which Way is Up? When using a directional backing design please mark the top of your backing with a safety pin.

Batting

Is Your Batting Big Enough? Cut your batting the same size as your quilt backing, 8 inches (20cm) longer and wider than the quilt top, and accurately squared. For best results please provide a quality batting that is uniform in thickness. For your convenience, I stock Matilda's Own batting however, I am happy to work with the batting of your choice. 

If you would prefer Sweet Gum Quilting to prepare your quilt top or backing fabric the minimum cost is $50.00.