longarming
FAQs

quilt prep guide

Preparing Your Quilt for Longarming
  • 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.

1

quilt top


  • 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.

2

backing


  • 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.

3

batting