Quilt Prep

This process may seem overwhelming at first, but it assures a smoother quilting process.  Think of quilt prep as putting quality ingredients into a bread recipe:  changing/eliminating ingredients may yield different (and sometimes unpleasant) results.  

Questions?  Contact me.  I'm happy to assist you.

1. Backing and backing should at least be 4" larger than the top on all sides.  (If your top measures 70 x 90, then your batting and backing should measure at least 78 x 98).
2. I recommend pre-washing the backing, which removes sizing.  Do not use sheets for the backing.  Sizing and dense fabrics like sheets, batiks, etc. can cause the machine to skip stitches, resulting in loops and knots on the back of your quilt.
3. After washing the backing, please square.  Eliminating this step may result in a pleat or dart in your finished quilt.
4. Press and trim excess seams or points that could cause unwanted lumps.
5. Eliminate loose threads on the back and front that could either show through the quilted layers or get caught in the quilting process.
6. Please do not baste/pin together the quilt layers - they must be separate.  They are loaded separately, then quilted together.
7. Ensure outer edge seams are backstitched to prevent them from coming unstitched in the quilting process.  It is not necessary to stay-stitch your entire quilt edge.
8. Directional quilts:  mark the top edge of the quilt top and the back with a safety pin.
9. If the quilting process is edge-to-edge, be prepared to tell me wither you want the pattern to run vertically or horizontally.  
10. Be prepared to tell me if you want the top loaded a specific way onto the backing.
11. I will not repair bobbles in piecing.  However, I'll do my best to blend in puckers, stretched areas and tucks.  Seams that pop open after the quilt is loaded will be hand sewn and will receive a charge per seam for repair.