Quilt Preparation Requirements- It's not that bad!

• Please have your top as square (or rectangular as the case may be) as possible. This will facilitate proper long-arm machine loading and successful long-arm quilting. If your quilt top is not “squared” then most likely it will come back to you appearing unsquare after the completion of long-arm quilting. Note: Borders can be wavy if not applied correctly or the quilt top is not square. If this is the case it may be necessary to “tuck” or “fold” a border to complete the quilting.
• Press  your top flat, from the back, this will help you direct your seams. Press light material in the direction of the dark material (if possible) so that dark design does not show through on the quilt top front.
• Trim all or loose threads.
• Repair any loose seams, if you don’t then the machine’s foot can possibly rip your quilt. We will not be held accountable if this happens.
• You might want to add 3-4 stitches across the seams around the perimeter of your quilt if you do not have a border about 1/8″ from the edge of your quilt.
• If your quilt top has a definitive top edge, please leave a note indicating the top edge.
• If  your quilt top has embroidery, appliqué or folded fabric, please let ne know in advance; lets talk about this aspect of your quilt. Depending on your requirements, this may require custom quilting which I do not offer at this time.
• Please  keep all layers (quilt top, batting, and backing) separate. No need to pin!  Also DO NOT baste the quilt top, batting and backing together. I cannot take spray-basted quilt sandwich for long-arm quilting.  

• Please have your quilt backing 8″ larger than your quilt top. For example: If  your top measures 40″x40″ then your backing should be 48″ x 48″. The extra backing material and batting is needed to      load the quilt unto the longarm machine.
• If  your backing has a top edge please leave a note on the backing too. If dropping off quilt, I will do this when doing your consultation.
• No 2 sided quilts at this time.  Simple pieced backings are ok but let's chat ahead of time about your requirements.

•  Please  provide quality batting that is uniform in thickness. Batting that is irregular in thickness will cause irregularity in finish quilt stitching. Quilters Dream, Hobbs and Warm and Natural are considered good quality products.  Bamboo, 100% Cotton or 80% cotton, 20% polyester are good all-purpose batting.
• Please make sure that the batting is at least 4 inches wider and longer than the quilt top.
• If quilt top and backing are dark, It is strongly recommended to provide black batting material. This will provide the most best result. 

I use Glide and Superior threads. I'll provide the top and bobbin thread for your quilt. I have neutral colors available (white, linen, black, several greys & gold). I also have a decent supply of most other colors. If you have a specific color in mind just let me know and we’ll make a plan.

There is a large range of quilt designs available for your selection. If you need a design I do not have available and we can review together and split the cost. 

My goal is to complete and return your quilt to you within 2 weeks of drop off.  This means I will not take your quilt until I can meet that timeine.