As a professional, longarm quilter, I'll
use my skill to finish your quilt in a
style to highlight your hard work
Updated January 17, 2008 		Strawberry Patches Longarm Quilter
1651 Hiatt St., Lebanon, Or 97355
(541) 619-8778
nonni23@comcast.net

How do I prepare my quilt top for machine quilting?

As I said on an earlier page, I'll be publishing tip on batting and backing. However, here are six basic tips.
  • Remove loose threads
  • Make top and backing square as possible
  • Make batting and backing longer and wider than quilt
  • Press seams and quilt
  • Don't attach backing or batting to quilt top if you want me to do it
  • Mark top of quilt, if it matters which way the pattern runs

Cut it all loose

Cut off all loose threads on your quilt back. If your quilt has light areas, loose dark threads really detract from your finished quilt.

Make sure your quilt top is pieced with care. If you had pieces that you needed to ease in to make them fit, they may not be able to be quilted without creating puckers.

Be a true square

Make sure your sides are the same width and length.

Go the extra inch

Make batting and backing at least 8" longer and wider than quilt. This allows me to quilt from edge to edge on the quilt top. You don't need to unwrap pre-packaged batting, it's usually true to size I'll double check batting prior to loading for quilting.

Press your back

You'll need to press the back of your quilt top. This is a good time to check all your seams to ensure they are not coming apart. All seams should be pressed flat.

Not in the ditch

If you want your quilt to be stitched in the ditch, don't press your seams open. This could pierce seam threads and weaken them. Remember, stitch in the ditch is custom work.

On the mark

Mark your quilt so I know what is top. Mark "top" on a note and safety pin it to the top. The top is of course where it lies on the bed.

Do I bring backing & binding?

Yes bring your backing

Yes bring your backing unless you want to buy some from me. I do binding for an extra charge.

You should use good muslin for backing

I suggest you use good quality muslin or other cotton quilting fabric. Avoid using bedsheets for backing. It important your backing should be 100% cotton—poly/cotton and 100% polyester will stretch differently. They also could cause tucks and puckering when quilting.

It's important to square cut backing and batting

Remove all selvages (selvedges) from both seams and along the outside edge of your backing. Then cut your backing and batting at least 8" bigger (width & length) than your quilt top. Cut them as square as possible.

If folded in half and laid on a flat surface, you should have 90-degree corners. It's helpful when piecing backing to make sure all pieces are the same length and edges are square.


  

Should I press my backing?

Pressing your backing is important, just like pressing the quilt top. Wrinkles will not "quilt out" of your top or backing. After pressing, fold carefully and place on a plastic hanger with your quilt top if you bring it to me. If you are shipping it, place carefully with your quilt top so as not to wrinkle. Then follow the shipping guide below.

Do you do binding?

I can sew binding to the top while quilting it ($12). You will need to sew it by hand to the backing. If I do the complete binding job it will be sewn by machine to the front ($24)

Do you sell batting?

I have Hobbs 80-20 108" wide batting. This is my work horse and I consistently get great results and have fewer problems with this batting than any other cotton blend that I have used. I charge $4.50 per yard.

I also carry Hobbs low loft poly 98" wide. Again, this is my favorite for the same reasons as above. Charge is $4.20 per yard.

I'll use almost any batting you provide me. If you bring your own, I prefer Warm & Natural, Hobbs Heirloom, or something similar.

Please check with me first if you have some other type of batting in mind. If you want poly batting, I have a nice 6 oz batting that really makes soft and puffy quilts.

Mountain Mist—Great for drinking—Bad for quilting

I do ask that you not bring me Mountain Mist batting, as it is just too fragile for longarm quilting.

(Mountain Mist bottled water is from deep in the Cascade foothills. That's the Washington State Cascades. It's not our beautiful Oregon Cascades just across the river from my home. Yep, MM water is great, so drink, enjoy, and be healthy— but don't bring MM for quilting!)

Can I bring my quilt to you?

Of course! If you bring it, please fold your quilt top carefully and place on a plastic hanger with your backing.

Can I mail my quilt to you?

Sure, please call me first. Then after we've discussed your wishes and I understand how you want your quilt finished, follow these steps.

  • Fold your quilt top and backing carefully so as not to wrinkle
  • Use a sturdy package
  • Include inside package—Name, mailing address, phone number, email address
  • Pattern and batting choices
  • Thread color
  • Custom label instructions (made by, quilted by, date, photo, etc.)
  • Special instructions
  • Insurance and confirmation recommended

Better prep you do means better job I do

The better job you do preparing your quilt top and backing, the better quilting job I can do for you. Working together like this helps us make beautiful quilts from all your hard work!