Preparing Your Quilt

Preparing Your Quilt 10 Important Steps

Quilting on a Long Arm Machine is substantially different from quilting on a domestic machine. As a result, there are a few different steps and potential issues to watch out for to prepare your quilt for success.

quilt notions.jpeg_1700071487

1 The quilt top and backing MUST be squared to be loaded and quilted successfully

  • This means the edges must meet at 90º angles

Opposite sides that are off by more than 1-2” MUST be corrected before the quilt is sent to be long arm quilted. 

 

2 Get the Border Size Right

Measure your quilt top and cut your border fabric to size before attaching.

3 Quilt top should be pressed from the backside so that the seams lay flat.

4 Loose threads should be trimmed.

5 Quilt top should be inspected for loose seams and repaired.

6 Ensure there are no beads, buttons, or other attached objects to the quilt top. Any embellishments should be added after the Long Arm Quilting process.

7 Seams on the edge of the quilt top should be stay-stitched.

8 If applicable, label TOP of quilt top &/or backing

9 DO NOT LAYER OR BASTE your quilt top, backing, and/or batting together in any way. All layers should be folded separately in your box to ship.

10 CLEAR IDENTIFICATION:

Attach a label with your name to each item including top, backing, binding, batting, etc.

For multiple quilting orders, clearly label items that go together.

11 Bee Excited!

Your creation is now ready to be Long Arm Quilted!

GET STARTED
Q shipping box

Shipping

We highly recommend shipping to us using USPS Priority Mail, which includes $100 insurance and package tracking. 

How to Pack Your Quilt:

  1. Place your quilt top, backing, and any other items in a plastic bag together
  2. Place entire plastic bag into the smallest and most rigid shipping box that it will fit
  3. Include a paper with your Name and Contact Information

Please keep in mind: postage rates are based on both size and weight of your package

Return Shipping

Your quilt will be returned via USPS Priority Mail, which includes $100 insurance and package tracking.

Cost: Return shipping fee and any additional insurance will be added to your invoice.

*Extra Insurance available upon request

FAQ

Extra backing fabric & batting is required to load your quilt layers on to the long arm machine

Variegated thread is more expensive.

Minky and Fleece fabrics are difficult to work with require extra time

Dense patterns require more thread and time

Bed sheets are woven differently and stitching on a long arm machine can put holes in them. This will lead to tears & rips,For this reason, bed sheets are not accepted.

When sewn on this way, the border fabric will actually be longer or shorter than your top.

When it is stretched and quilted - this can cause serious puckers and creases.

The corners of your quilt need to at a right angle to create a quilt that will lay flat and not be wonky

Innovatech thread works beautifully in my Innova long arm machine.

If you prefer an all cotton thread, I recommend Signature brand.

I have hyperlinks to two of my favorite digital long arm pattern companies.

There are many others & I’m happy to discuss those

We do recommend pre-washing all quilting fabric, especially reds.

If you have not washed your fabrics prior to creating your quilt top,we recommend using "color catchers" the first time you wash your completed quilt to avoid any color-running.

NO, do not wash your batting. If you are supplying your own batting, it should be new and unused and does not require washing.

Yes. We do not stock backing fabric.

No, binding services are optional.

All 3-D embellishments must be added AFTER your quilt is returned to you. Long arm machines can not sew over or around 3D embellishments

The selvage edge of fabric is very tightly woven and will act differently than the body of the fabric. Send us a message or discuss this during your live consultation.

Yes , provided the condition is confirmed to be good enough- by message or during a live consultation.

Conditions that are not acceptable include open seams, tears or holes. There is an increased chance of getting caught in the machine's foot and causing further damage.

No. Denim is not accepted in any part of the quilt.

Yes, but we do not recommend it.

We recommend using 100% cotton fabric for the top and back of your quilt due to its high quality and durability.