longarming
FAQs
-
I've got you covered! I put together a full guide that walks through how to prep your quilt top, backing, and batting before it comes to the studio. You can find it here. A little prep goes a long way toward getting the best possible result.
-
Welcome! I'd start with the Quilting Services page for an overview of what I offer and current pricing, then take a look at the Quilt Prep Guide so your top, backing, and batting are ready to go. When you're ready, fill out the order form and I'll be in touch to walk through any questions before your quilt heads to the studio.
-
Yes, there's a $60 minimum on any quilting project, regardless of size. Even a small quilt takes time to prep, load, thread, trim, and invoice, so this helps keep things fair across every project that comes through the studio.
-
Your backing 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. If it's pieced, please square it up and press the seams flat, and if your fabric is directional, mark which end is up. Full details are in our quilt prep guide.
-
I'm happy to! Backing piecing is $10 per seam, with an additional $30 if you'd like the pattern matched at the seams. Just be sure to send enough yardage to cover your quilt with the required overage.
-
Yes, I offer both binding prep and full machine binding. If you'd like your binding prepped and ready to hand-stitch, that's $15 for WOF binding, $20 for bias binding, or $30 for piped binding. If you'd like it fully machine bound, pricing is $0.30 per linear inch for both sides, $0.20 per linear inch for one side, or $0.45 per linear inch for piped binding, all of which include trimming.
-
Trimming is offered as an add-on service rather than something automatically included, priced between $15 and $25 depending on the size of your quilt. Just let me know if you'd like this added to your order.
-
I stock a variety of high quality battings, including bamboo, cotton, and blends, priced and sold by the inch. See batting options here. You're also welcome to supply your own, as long as it's clean and free of odors.
-
Yes! I take on commission work for quilt construction, memory quilts and other keepsake pieces, t-shirt quilts, pillow shams, and more. I've also pattern tested for several designers, so if you're working on something new, I'd love to hear about it.
All commission work requires a 50% deposit at the time your project is accepted, with the remaining balance due once the item or quilting is complete. Special order batting is paid in full when the order is placed.
-
Width = 118” or less — happy to take a look if you're not sure your quilt will fit.
-
If you need your quilt back sooner than my standard turnaround, a rush fee may apply at my discretion. Just let me know your timeline and I'll do my best to work with it.
-
Drop offs are by appointment only, please fill out our contact form to schedule a time. If you’re mailing your quilt, you can ship it to: 22672 Lamber Street #601, Lake Forest, CA 92630. Please be sure to fill out the Order Form before shipping your quilt.
-
Once your quilt is complete, an invoice will be sent to your email. Once that invoice is paid, your quilt will be shipped to the address listed on your intake form, so let us know if you'd like it sent somewhere different. If you're picking up in person, please schedule a pickup time here. You're welcome to pay in person at pickup or take care of your invoice ahead of time.
-
Turnaround is usually 2 to 3 weeks, though it can shift depending on the season and how full my schedule is. If you have a deadline in mind, just note it on your intake form and I'll do my best to work with it.
quilt prep guide
Preparing Your Quilt for LongarmingSave 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.