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Preparing your Quilt top for Longarm Quilting

Backing fabric

If you provide your own backing, it needs to be a minimum of 8” (inches)** larger than the quilt top and squared up, all loose threads removed and ironed. **This equates to an additional 4 inches all sides – particularly on top and bottom**.

NB: Best results come from backing that is one piece; 100% cotton; washed/dried/ironed. If you need to join two pieces, please ensure the join is on the horizontal.  Avoid polyester blend fabrics and bed sheets/doona covers, these are not strong enough, and are inferior quality.

Each layer is mounted onto the machine separately, so please do not baste or pin the quilt layers together.

Batting / Wadding (Can be supplied by Quick Quilt in your desired choice)

(Once again supply an extra 4″ on ALL sides)

When choosing batting consider how your quilt will be used.  Polyester is good for kids quilts as it can take being washed and dried often.  Some battings weigh more so take into consideration for large size beds.  Batting with some loft can help conceal imperfections when piecing.  Thin Bamboo batting is lightweight and drapes well, however can be unforgiving in some situations.

60/40 – Cotton/Poly batting is commonly used and works well.

Quilt Top Trim Points

Trim off excess seams or points that can cause undesirable lumps and make the stitching run off line. Eliminate/cut all trailing threads (front and back) especially on light fabrics.

Pressing

Press all seams flat (from reverse side), then press from front WELL. Good pressing using spray starch helps create a well-finished quilt.

Pieced Borders

If your borders are pieced, stitch a scant ¼” around the outer edge of the quilt top so it will not show after the binding is attached.  During the quilting process your quilt top will be lightly tensioned and this extra stitching will prevent the edge seams from coming unstitched.

Indicate Quilt ‘Head’ ie, Top

If your quilt has a directional design please indicate TOP by way of a safety pin being placed at the desired ‘head end’ of the quilt.

Thread

Please DO NOT send thread with your quilt. Quick Quilt use only the highest quality thread, which is stronger and more durable than some on the market.


Our commitment to your project…

Every effort is made to enhance the beauty and individuality of your quilt. We distribute the natural fullness of the quilt as evenly as possible to ensure that your quilts top, bottom, and sides are parallel; the corners are square; blocks and sashing’s are lined up evenly.