Quilt Prep School for Longarm Quilting
Quilt Preparation Check List
This is a helpful guide to assist you in preparing your Quilt Top and Backing ready for the longarm quilter.
Quilt top should be trimmed
down close to the final finished size. Keep in mind if it is not squared, your top will also not be squared when finished. I will not cut or trim your quilt top. I only trim the quilt once the quilting process is finished if you request it. I will trim up to the quilt top edges only if you request it.. All of the remaining backing fabric that is trimmed off will be returned to you unless you tell me not to return it.
Backing fabric must be at least 4 " larger than Quilt top
on the all sides of the quilt top. In order for the machine needle to reach the edge of your quilt top, I need the additional fabric of 4 inches on all sides of the quilt top. Example 50 X 50 quilt top would need 58 X 58 backing.
Be sure to take all the selvages off the backing
because the selvage does not stretch like the rest of fabric and will not lay flat on your quilt (may have
puckers on the back side.
Batting should be purchased from me
to ensure the best quality.Or we can discuss you providing it if you have a special batting you'd like to use.
I use Hobbs 80/20 for your batting needs. Most people love the way it works with the longram.
At this time I don't keep black batting in stock.
If your quilt does not have an outside border,
you must "stay stitch" about 1/8 inch around the edge of your entire quilt to ensure the seams do not pull apart. You won't see it once your binding is on the quilt.
Please do not put anything on your top that is not flat or fabric
(buttons, charms, zippers, ribbons, any embellishment) The machine clearance won't clear those objects and will require you paying postage twice or pay for labor to remove them. It's just easier when you are planning your quilt to think about doing them after the longarmer has sent it back to you. You can use a quilt pen or chalk to mark where an object will be placed and I can work around it (custom quilting)
Attach a safety pin to the top of your quilt top and the top of the backing fabric
IF you have an orientation pattern. You could also pin that with a note if you wish.
Press your quilt top and backing fabric well
with seams open or to one side.
Measure your quilt across the top, bottom and center.
All measurements should be the same to ensure puckers do not happen in the quilting, it can show up on the front or back. Borders that wave "hello" to you will cause tucks, pleats or bubbly looking areas. The easiest way to tell if you need to redo your borders is to lay it flat on a floor or large area and if you see waves, it's not going to look good at the end of the quilting process. I am able to ease in a small amount of fullness, but it won't look professional, if you are a perfectionist, you'll want your top squared up before putting it on the longarm.
And last but certainly not least!!!!
When your top is loaded on the frame, it lies very flat. If you have some seams that
are barely caught, the needle can catch in that area and make a big mess. Just
check your back to see that all your pieced seams are about 1/4 inch. Also cut any loose
threads on front and back, this can also be caught by the needle. And of
course, it makes for a much neater looking quilt when your threads are all
trimmed off. If your top and/or backing is light colored and you leave colored
threads, they will show through the quilt.
What You Need to Ship to me:
Your quilt top
Your Backing fabric
Your order form with a design from my designs pages
Any special requests (we'll get these straight before I quilt through email or phone)
Fabric for binding
Check or postal money order in US funds made payable to BAKERS LONGARM QUILTING with a downpayment of apporximately half. Balance due after quilting job is finished and before shipping out to you. After looking at the quilt, we will decide on final wishes and pricing before I start, if it is a very custom quilt, I may ask for partial payment up front and the balance when shipped.I am working on getting paypal, look for it soon.
Place all items in a good plastic trash bag and tie so no weather can get to it. I also urge you to put a note inside with my name and address on it in case it gets damaged or opened.
I use the US Postal Service for all my shipping. Just priority shipping with delivery confirmation is all you need. I have never had a problem with shipping this way. When you get a delivery confirmation (very moderately priced), they pay more attention to getting it where and when they should. If you use the usps click and ship online, you get discounted postage and free delivery confirmation. Of course the flat rate boxes are handy from the post office, but it costs more when you ship that way. I use a sturdy box usually found in the aisles of Walmart. Use a large BIC marker and X through the bar codes and words on box.
And LAST BUT NOT LEAST!!!!!
#######################DO NOT WRITE QUILT ANYWHERE ON YOUR PACKAGE#####################
Yes it can happen to you!!! THEFT