preparing your quilt for longarming

Written By Julie Layne

There's nothing quite like the moment your quilt top comes back from longarming, transformed into something that finally feels finished. Maybe this is your first time sending a quilt our way, or maybe you've lost count of how many you've dropped off at this point, either way, a little prep work up front goes a long way toward getting the best possible result. Here's everything you need to know before you drop off (or mail in) your quilt top, backing, and batting.

Quilt Top

  • Save the embellishments for later. Beads, buttons, and other embellishments can interfere with the longarm machine, so hold off adding these until after quilting is complete.

  • Take a victory lap. Stitch about 1/8" around the outer edge of your quilt top to secure any loose seams before it heads to the studio.

  • Press it well. Give your seams a good press so they lie as flat as possible. Flat seams mean smoother quilting and a better finished result.

  • Trim your threads. Stray threads, especially dark ones, can show through the front of your quilt once it's quilted. Take a few minutes to trim any stragglers before you bring it in.

  • Mark directional tops. If your quilt top has a clear direction, like a one-way print or directional piecing, mark the top with a bit of painter's tape or a safety pin. That way I can make sure your panto is quilted the right way.

  • Handle with care. Gently fold your quilt, preferably along the bias, and hang or bag it until it's ready to come to the studio.

backing

  • Go generous. Your backing fabric needs to be at least 4" larger than your quilt top on all sides. So a 60" x 60" top needs a 68" x 68" backing.

  • Piecing your backing? Remove the selvages and join your fabric with a generous 1/2" seam allowance, then press the seam open and square everything up. Horizontal seams are preferable to vertical ones.

  • Mark the top. If your backing fabric is directional, mark which end is up so nothing ends up upside down.

batting

  • Same rule as backing. Just like your backing, batting needs an extra 4" on all sides.

  • Bring your own or let us supply it. We stock a variety of high quality battings, including bamboo, cotton, and blends, or you're welcome to bring your own. Just make sure it's clean and free of any odors.

Julie Layne