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Preparing Your Top:

  • If there are bias edges, baste within 1/4" of the edges. Be careful not to stretch your top as you baste.
  • Check to make sure that seams are secure and will not pull open when the top is stretched on the frame.
  • Clip all loose threads on the back. Dark threads will show on lighter fabric. Pull out or clip threads that are on the front. These will get quilted if left on.
  • Press your top. When piecing your top, it is important to have the beginning and ending seams lying in the same directions. If this isn't done you will have twisted seams. These twists cause lumps on the right side of the quilt and tend to make the machine needle jump when quilting.
  • Place a safety pin at the top left corner of your quilt if there is a direction to it.
  • Keep your top as free from wrinkles as possible. I will store them on a pant hanger until they are quilted.
  • Check to see if your top is "square". Are the sides parallel to each other? Measure the center of the quilt top vertically. Then measure the outside edges vertically. The measurements should be the same. Do the same horizontally. If there is more than an inch difference in the three measurements, it is possible that your top will have tucks when quilted. We do our best to minimize these when quilting. The most common reasons for measurement differences are stretched bias edges, mitered corners, and too much easement when joining blocks. Any or all of these things can result in small tents or puckers when the quilt is quilted.
  • For help with making sure your borders lay flat, see Quilting Tips.
  • If possible, make your borders at least 1/2" wider than what you would like the finished quilt to be. This allows for the "srinkage factor" that quilting causes.
  • All quilts will be trimmed to their edge once quilting is complete. If you do not want the quilt trimmed, please let us know.

Preparing Your Top  |  Preparing Your Backing Fabric  |   Delivering Your Quilt