Your quilt top is ready to be quilted.... Now What?

1.  Square your quilt top and backing. 

http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/how-to-quilt/finishing/squaring-quilt

 

2.  Adding inner and/or final borders

-The best way to get a ‘squared top’ is to measure the quilt top in three areas before adding borders. Usually adding side borders first.
-Measure the length of the quilt on both sides of the quilt top and again down the middle.  

-Determine the average measurement and cut the borders to this number.   

-Fold the length of the quilt in half to find the center and do the same for the border strips.  

-Pin borders to quilt top sides matching centers.  Next pin the top and bottom of the border strips to the quilt and continue pinning the border to the quilt top easing in or slightly pulling the border to fit.  -Sew each side border using this method and press.  

-Repeat for the top and bottom borders.
 This helps to eliminate fullness, wavy or puckered borders, or excess fabric.   

-If your quilt top has a final border which is pieced with seams exposed to the outer edge, please stitch around the entire quilt top close to the outer edge (less than 1/4”) so when your binding is stitched on, you will not see this running stitch.  This running stitch "stay stitch" secures your pieced border from coming apart or popping at the seams when it is loaded onto our Gammill Longarm Quilting Machine.

3. If you wish to provide your own batting the price will be adjusted as needed. We use a natural and mix of Hobbs & Warm & Natural 80/20. It is a great batting for a wide variety of quilts.

4.  Cut your backing 4"-5" larger on all sides than your quilt top.  Being able to see each layer helps to be visible when we are quilting. If you need to piece your backing fabric, the seam should be approximately 5/8” wide and pressed open. If sewn on the salvage edge, the salvage should be removed. 

5.  Press the quilt top and backing.  Wrinkles may not always quilt out.  I repress your quilt before loading onto our Gammill Longarm Quilting Machine. Our Statler Stitcher will amaze you with what you can do on top of your quilt. We also showcase a nice choice of freehand options which will help your quilt to come alive.

6.  Do not pin, baste or sandwich your quilt. 

7.  Don't forgot to clip threads, you don’t want dark threads showing behind a white sashing or quilt block.

8.  If piecing your backing, please email me ahead of time for tips on how to achieve a successful look.