Backing
Do not baste the top, batting, and backing in any manner, including pin basting. Each element is set up separately on a longarm machine. Any basting that is done will have to be undone.
The backing should be 8"-10" larger in both length and width than the top. For example, if your top measures 70”x80”, please provide a backing that is at least 78”x88”. If you lay the top centered on the back, the back should extend 4"-5" beyond the top and the bottom, the left and the right. The backing needs to be larger so it can be properly mounted on the frame.
If you are piecing the backing, please remove the selvages on the interior seams. The fabric on the selvages is woven more tightly, and can cause puckering if it is quilted. If you are piecing the backing, a ½” seam, pressed open or pressed to one side, works the best, but if you prefer a 1/4" seam, that works too. Selvages may be left on the very outer edges. Please square up the backing. All extra backing fabric will be returned to you. Press the backing carefully, removing any creases.
The backing should be 8"-10" larger in both length and width than the top. For example, if your top measures 70”x80”, please provide a backing that is at least 78”x88”. If you lay the top centered on the back, the back should extend 4"-5" beyond the top and the bottom, the left and the right. The backing needs to be larger so it can be properly mounted on the frame.
If you are piecing the backing, please remove the selvages on the interior seams. The fabric on the selvages is woven more tightly, and can cause puckering if it is quilted. If you are piecing the backing, a ½” seam, pressed open or pressed to one side, works the best, but if you prefer a 1/4" seam, that works too. Selvages may be left on the very outer edges. Please square up the backing. All extra backing fabric will be returned to you. Press the backing carefully, removing any creases.
Top
Carefully press the top from the back to make sure your seams are going the correct direction, pressing out any creases. Trim all excess threads, and stay-stitch (6-8 machine stitches, perpendicular to and across the seam line, about 1/8” from the raw edge) any seams that go all the way to the outer edges. This is especially important for tops that don’t have borders. Check the construction on the interior of your top carefully for any seams that may have come open, and repair them.
The quilt top should be square. Take 3 measurements: measure across the top, middle and bottom of your top; all measurements should be within 1” of each other. Do this in both the length and the width. If the measurements are off by more than 1”, you will need to do some investigating and perhaps repairing. The first thing to check is the borders; you may need to re-size and re-attach them. I can quilt in some fullness, but not more than about an inch. There are a lot of great instructional materials available regarding attaching borders; for example http://quilting.about.com/od/straightsewnborders/ss/straightborders.htm.
The quilt top should be square. Take 3 measurements: measure across the top, middle and bottom of your top; all measurements should be within 1” of each other. Do this in both the length and the width. If the measurements are off by more than 1”, you will need to do some investigating and perhaps repairing. The first thing to check is the borders; you may need to re-size and re-attach them. I can quilt in some fullness, but not more than about an inch. There are a lot of great instructional materials available regarding attaching borders; for example http://quilting.about.com/od/straightsewnborders/ss/straightborders.htm.
Thread
I carry a variety of threads in a variety of colors. The threads I carry are designed for the high-speed rigors of machine quilting; not every thread can be used for longarm quilting. If your project requires a color I currently do not carry, I will be happy to order an appropriate thread for your project at no extra charge other than my standard thread charge.
Batting
I can supply packaged Quilter’s Dream and Hobbs batting for your project, in a variety of types and weights. Quilter’s Dream has some great information about their products and how to choose the right one for your quilt http://www.quiltersdreambatting.com/user-guide.htm . In addition to packaged batting, I carry batting on large rolls which I sell by the linear inch. My pricing is comparable to your local quilt shop pricing. If you prefer to provide your own batting, that is fine; just let me know what you would like to use. I reserve the right to ask you to use something else if I am concerned that a certain batting won’t work well for your project. I want you to be thrilled with your quilt, and choosing a quality batting is important. If you provide your own batting, please measure and make sure it is at least 6” larger in both directions than the top, i.e. a 60”x60” top requires a 66”x 66”batting.