Preparing your Quilt

For best results, please follow the guidelines below:
Keep quilt top, backing, & batting separate.
Do Not baste or pin pieces together.

Top of Quilt 

1. All quilt edges should be cut straight across.
2. All loose threads on quilt top should be removed. (A lint roller works well.)
3. Seams on the top need to lie flat. (Lessens the chance of pleats or tucks.)
4. A standard ¼” seam is preferred and should be well-secured. Damage can occur by seams opening during quilting which is not our responsibility.
5. Label the top edge of the quilt (if there is one) with a safety pinned note.
6. If there are lots of seams on the outside border, please stay-stitch ¼” from all edges.

Quilt Back

1. The fewer the seams the better!
2. The quilt back needs to be 9-12” wider and 9-12” longer than quilt top. (ie, 60 x 60 quilt top needs the back to be at least 69 x 69)
3. The back must be straight of grain, not bias. Bed linens (sheets) are not recommended.
4. All edges must be even and straight.
5. Remove creases and ensure that seams lie flat by pressing well.
6. The selvedge on outer edges of backing is preferred for stability.
7. The selvedge from center back seam should be removed. It is a denser weave and may shrink or pucker after washing.

Batting

1. Make the Batting the same size as the backing, not significantly larger or smaller.
2. Batting may be purchased from us. Prices are subject to change without notice.
3. You may provide your own high quality batting. Please call us first to be sure it is suitable. Mountain Mist or Fairfield brands do not result in a good finished product.

Border “First Aid” – Preventing problems!

Measure and pin the border first, before stitching it on to the quilt.
Wavy, full borders with puckers or puffy raised areas can result when a border is added by sewing end to end, then trimming off the excess fabric.

Solution to wavy, full borders …

1. The quilt should be measured in three places lengthwise – the middle, the top and the bottom.
2. The three measurements should be added together and divided by three – this gives the average measurement of the quilt length.  Border strips should be cut to the average length.  Begin at top and bottom to pin the border to the quilt.  Divide quilt in half, pin again.  Pin the center of each section, spreading the ease as needed.
3. Use a walking foot to stitch border to quilt if at all possible.
4. This procedure should be repeated for the width. The result should be a quilt that is “squared”.