Preparing Your Project for Quilting

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Follow these steps to ensure your quilt is "longarm ready" for the best possible results!

• [ ] Square It Up: Ensure your quilt top is squared and lays flat. Excessive "wavy borders" can lead to pleats or tucks during quilting.
• [ ] Check the Seams: Make sure all seams are secure. If a seam is open, the hopping foot of the longarm machine can get caught and cause a tear.
• [ ] Press, Press, Press: Press all seams flat. Usually, pressing to the dark side or "spinning" intersections helps reduce bulk for the needle.
• [ ] Clip Your Threads: Trim loose threads from the back of the quilt top. Dark threads can "shadow" through lighter fabrics once the quilt is quilted.
• [ ] Mark the Top: If your quilt top is directional (it has a clear "up" side), please safety-pin a note labeled "TOP" to the upper edge.

• [ ] Size Matters: Your backing must be at least 4 to 6 inches wider than your quilt top on all four sides. (For example: If your top is 60" x 60", your backing should be at least 68" x 68").
• [ ] Square the Backing: Ensure the backing edges are straight and square so it can be loaded onto the rollers evenly.
• [ ] Remove Selvages: If you had to piece your backing, please trim the selvages from the internal seams to prevent tension issues, but feel free to leave them on the outer edges.

• [ ] Size Requirement: Like the backing, batting should be 4 to 6 inches larger than the quilt top on all sides.
• [ ] Pack Carefully: if you are providing your own batting, ensure it is high quality and suitable for longarm machines. (We also offer premium batting for purchase if you'd like to skip this step!)

• [ ] No Embellishments: Please do not attach buttons, sequins, or heavy embroidery until after the quilting is complete, as these can break longarm needles.
• [ ] Stay Stitching: If your quilt has many seams on the outer edge (like a pieced border), we recommend a "stay stitch" 1/8" from the edge to keep everything from stretching.

When mailing your quilt, we recommend placing the quilt top and backing inside a sturdy plastic bag (like a scent-free kitchen bag) inside the cardboard box. This protects your hard work from moisture or "accidents" during its journey to us!