Quilt Preparation
QUICK LINKS: Quilt Backing | Batting | BordersThe better care you take preparing the quilt top, the better the finished result will be.
Press the quilt top well from the back and make sure that all the seams are pressed. Clip threads, especially dark ones that may 'shadow' behind lighter colored fabrics. If you are in doubt, hold the top up to the light. Can you see dark threads?
The quilt top and the backing should lay flat, be 'squared up' at the corners and straight on all sides. (note: a peice of typing paper is a perfect 90 degree angle)
Do not baste or pin the quilt layers together. This is not necessary for long arm machine quilting, as each layer is loaded separately onto the rollers.
Indicate the top and bottom of the quilt clearly if there is a difference. Sometimes it might not be obvious to us that the top is directional.
Fold the quilt top carefully.
- Mark the top of quilt, with a note held by a safety pin, do the same with your backing if it is a directional fabric.
- Top must be clean, pressed & threads clipped.
- Press the backing well, seams to one side, trim all the hanging threads.
- Quilt and backing must be squared
- Please DO NOT pin or baste layers together.
- Remove all the selvedges
- If applicable, include fabric for binding, king size quilt 1 1/4yd. all other quilt sizes 1 yd.
- Place quilt top, and any fabrics in plastic bag to protect during shipping.
- Please contact us by e-mail or phone 832-559-1190 to let us know that your quilt top is on its way.
Back stitch all seams that come to the edge. Press the seams flat. The backing should be 4" to 5" larger than the quilt top on all four sides. This means it should be 8 to 10 inches larger than the top in both directions. This is critical in order to properly load your quilt onto the longarm machine.
For example: if your quilt top measures 90" x 90", the backing and batting should measure at least 98" x 98".
If you are providing the batting, it also must be about 6 to 8 inches larger than the quilt top. Cut it as square as possible. We recommend better quality battings. Some are made with uneven density or are too fragile and may shred in handling. Others may beard and spoil your quilt. If using black or very dark fabrics, you may want to consider using black batting.
- Hobbs Heirloom Premium Cotton 80/20 (80% cotton, 20% polyester) 96" wide on roll. Has more loft than typical cotton batting and gives more definition to the stitching than 100% cottons. Expect shrinkage of 3-5%, can be pre-shrunk to minimize shrinkage. A strong, long wearing quilt batting. Lightly bonded, drapes well, resists bearding and bunching.
- Hobbs Heirloom Premium Cotton 80/20- BLACK (80% cotton, 20% polyester) same as above, but color is black and won't show on dark fabrics.
- Hobbs Heirloom Premium Cotton 80/20 (80% cotton, 20% polyester) same as above, but 120" wide on roll.
- Hobbs Washable Wool, 108" wide on roll. Magnificent! Wool breathes and acts as a natural insulation, helping to maintain a comfortable temperature summer or winter.
- Hobbs Poly-Down (3/8" thick), 108" wide on roll. Ultra soft and drapes wonderfully, and can be layered if a comforter loft is desired.
Borders print this section)
Take your time and give extra attention to this step. You'll be much happier with the results. Otherwise your border can be a real trouble maker! The time taken to do this extra measuring and pinning will pay off with a smoother border. Borders that are not smooth can appear puckered once quilted. In extreme cases a small dart may be needed to absorb extra fullness.
Lay your quilt top out flat, smooth and take three measurements from top to bottom (1.) one at a few inches from the left edge, (2.) one near the middle, and (3.) one at a few inches from the right edge.
Average your measurements if necessary.
Cut 2 strips. Divide into quarters and pin onto the quilt top before sewing. Some easing may be necessary.
Now you're ready to cut the remaining two borders. Take three more measurements this time from left edge to right edge (1.) one at a few inches from the top edge, (2.) one near the middle, and (3.) one at a few inches from the bottom edge.
Average your measurements if necessary.
Cut 2 strips. Divide into quarters and pin onto the quilt top before sewing.
Use the simple cost calculator to give you an estimate of how much your quilt will cost to be finished.
Click here to use Cost Estimator.
