Quilt Prep
Getting your quilt ready
A little prep makes for a better finish. Here's everything I need before your top goes on the longarm. Not sure about something? Just ask — I'm happy to help.
- 1Press everything
Give the quilt top and the backing a good press. Wrinkles and folds quilt right in, so a flat, well-pressed top makes the biggest difference.
- 2Size the backing & batting
Backing and batting both need to be at least 4 inches larger than the top on every side (about 8 inches wider and longer overall). This gives room to load the quilt on the frame.
- 3Square up the top
Make sure the top lies flat and square. Trim any wavy or uneven outer edges, and ease in fullness before it comes to me rather than after.
- 4Clip loose threads
Snip stray threads on the back, especially dark threads sitting under light fabric — they can shadow through once it's quilted.
- 5Secure the edges & seams
Check that border seams are sewn down well. A stay-stitch around the outer edge keeps seams from popping open on the frame.
- 6Press backing seams open
If the backing is pieced, press those seams open and trim off the selvage edges so it lies smooth.
- 7Hold the embellishments
Leave buttons, beads, bows, and any 3-D bits off until after quilting. Add them once the quilt comes back.
- 8Mark the top
Pin a note or safety pin to show which end is the top, and let me know if there's a direction the design should run.
Your pressed top and backing, plus batting if you're providing your own. I keep cotton, poly, and blend batting and hundreds of threads on hand if you'd rather pick from my shelf.