Preparation Tips for Longarm Quilting

QUILT TOP
	Do not baste the quilt sandwich (top, batting and backing).
	Stay stitch the quilt top about 3/8" from the edge to keep pieced borders from pulling apart or stretching.
	Press all seams so they lie flat, taking care not to distort fabric or stretch out of shape.
	Clip all loose threads, remove any stray pins, and do a final check to see if any seams need to be re-stitched.
	Pin the head of the top with a safety pin.
	Make sure the top is square. If you measure diagonally, both ways through the center of the quilt, these measurements should be the same.

BORDERS
	Applying borders incorrectly can cause extra fullness or "wavy" borders which are difficult to quilt without puckers or pleats.
	Sewing from one end to the other, and cutting off the excess border at the end will result in "wavy" borders, or excess border fabric.
	For instructions to fit borders that will lay flat once the quilt is completed, click here.

BATTING
	We can supply quality polyester, cotton/poly blend or all cotton batting for your convenience.
	You may supply your own batting. It must be at least 6" longer and wider than the quilt top. Select a quality batting that can be quilted 3" or more apart (see batting package for details).
	We reserve the right to refuse a batting if we feel the quilting results will not be satisfactory. This may include lightweight, unbonded batts like Mountain Mist which are too delicate for use on the longarm machine.
	When in doubt, give us a call!

BACKING
	We carry wide-width 100% cotton unbleached or bleached muslin backing fabric for your convenience.
	Of course, you may supply your own backing fabric.
	To prepare the backing, please remove selvages, pre-wash, piece and square up the backing. It must be at least 6" longer and wider than the quilt top, AFTER pre-washing and squaring.
	For best results, press backing seams open, rather than to one side.
	Dense or high thread count sheets can cause tension problems on the longarm machine. For this reason I do not recommend using a bed sheet for the quilt backing. If this is absolutely necessary, please pre-wash the sheet multiple times, and remove all hems. Select a sheet that is less than 200 thread count (180 is better). Be aware though that irregularities in the stitch quality may be noticeable when using a sheet for the backing.