How Much Extra Backing and Batting Do I Need?
The batting and backing should be a minimum of 4 inches on all sides. Example: A quilt top that is 80" x 80" has a backing and batting measuring 88" x 88".

Do I Need to Baste or Pin My Quilt?
No. The quilt top, backing, and batting are loaded on the machine in 3 separate sections.

How Do I Prepare My Quilt for a Great-Looking, Finished Quilt?
Press, Trim, and Square.

TIPS:
Press: Quilt seams should be pressed to 1 side or pressed open. Unless pattern construction requires the seam to be pressed open, seams that are pressed to 1 side are stronger and wear longer.
Trim: Trim all loose threads from the front and back of the quilt top. Loose threads on the front can be stitched to the top. Loose threads on the back can shadow through to be seen on the front.
Square: Every care is taken to assure a square quilt top remains square after the quilting process is completed. Bias, outside borders are best avoided but if the pattern calls for one staystitch around the edge of the quilt top, then proceed. We all sometimes have a quilt that is less than perfect, and may have fullness or puckers. Sometimes quilting can take care of these issues. If a large amount of correction is needed, a Complex Panagraph pattern is a good quilting choice. Some quilts need unqualified Love and are welcome.

What Should I Be Aware of When Choosing My Batting and Backing?
There are many battings available. Some of the things to think about are drapability, shrinkage, and warmth. Some battings that are suitable for a bed quilt are not suitable for a wall quilt. The backing supports your quilt and is important to its stability.

TIPS:
Batting: Some inexpensive battings do not work well with a longarm quilting machine. The color of a batting can change the intensity of a fabric. For example, a neutral batting color can dull the color of the whites in a quilt. If pokies appear on a quilt, a compatible backing color is less noticeable.

Backing: A creditable fabric cut on the straight of grain provides stability for the quilt top. This is especially important for bias cut quilts. Sheets do not make good backings. The higher thread count in them can cause skipped stitches on your quilt.

Believe in your dreams, for they are a future quilt!

Contact us in Peyton, Colorado, for Longarm quilting services.