Preparing your Quilt for Longarm Quilting

Preparing your quilt for longarm quilting is similar to quilting on your domestic machine, but there are a few unique requirements.

Read the following steps required to have your longarm quilting completed. By following these guidelines, you will save money and help ensure the speedy return of your lovely quilt.

And if you have any specific questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at melissa @ longarmlouise.com

PREP

  • Always indicate the top of your quilt with a pinned piece of paper.
  • A pressed backing 8”-10” wider AND 8”-10” longer than the quilt top is required. (A total of 4″-5″ on each side is required for clamping the backing sides to appropriate tension.)
  • Leave the selvages on the edges, but trim them off pieced seams. Press open a 1/2” seam allowance on backings.
  • Please contact me when using backing material other than quilter’s cotton. Contact me BEFORE you cut into backings such as minkee, cuddle, flannel, wide backs, fleece, etc. which may need additional preparation or consideration before piecing.
  • If you are going to “roll” the backing to the front to create a binding, please indicate this in the notes section of the intake form.
  • Precision centering a quilt top to a specific placement on the backing is next to impossible.
  • When choosing a backing fabric, be aware that the same color top thread will be used in the bobbin. I will not use different thread colors for the top and backing.

  • Always indicate the top of your quilt with a pinned piece of paper.
  • Press seams neatly.
  • Trim excess threads.
  • Flat tops and straight borders are desired.
  • Do NOT cut border curves or scallops.
  • Attach embellishments AFTER the quilting.

  • Purchase Hobbs 80/20 from me, or supply your own quality batting.
  • If supplying your own batting, it should be 8” wider AND 8” longer than the quilt top.
  • I will refuse inferior batting, and substitute 80/20 at $8/yd.

  • After prepping your quilt, complete the online request form. Once it is submitted, an email will be sent to you with my shipping address.
  • Place the quilt top, backing, batting (if not purchasing from me), and request form in a plastic bag to protect it from the damp and damage during shipping. I will do the same when I return it to you.
  • For security, please do NOT write quilt on the outside of the shipping box.
  • Please send me an email or text when you have mailed the quilt so I can watch for it.
  • Once payment is received, I will text or email you the tracking number when it is on the way back home to you.

  • After preparing your quilt, complete the online request form.
  • Email or text to set up a drop off time and location.I often pick up and drop off quilts at QGIN, QGI, IMQG, and Mudsocks.
  • If this is the first time I am quilting for you and you are local, I’d prefer a drop off at my studio.It helps me to get to know you and your quilting style better one on one.

Backing

  • Always indicate the top of your quilt with a pinned piece of paper.
  • A pressed backing 8”-10” wider AND 8”-10” longer than the quilt top is required.
  • Leave the selvages on the edges, but trim selvages off pieced seams. Press open a 1/2” seam allowance on backings.
  • Please contact me when using backing material other than quilter’s cotton. Contact me BEFORE you cut into backings such as minkee, cuddle, flannel, wide backs, fleece, etc. which may need additional prep or consideration before piecing.
  • If you are going to “roll” the backing to the front to create a binding, please indicate this in the notes section of the intake form.
  • Precision centering a quilt top to a specific placement on the backing is next to impossible.
  • When choosing a backing fabric, be aware that the same color top thread will be used in the bobbin. I will not use different thread colors for the top and backing.

Quilt Top

  • Always indicate the top of your quilt with a pinned piece of paper.
  • Press seams neatly.
  • Trim excess threads.
  • Flat tops and straight borders are desired.
  • Do NOT cut border curves or scallops.
  • Attach embellishments AFTER the quilting.

Batting

  • Purchase Hobbs 80/20 from me, or supply your own quality batting.
  • If you would prefer another type of batting such as cotton, I can purchase that to save you the shipping costs. Or, have your online retailer ship it directly to me.
  • If supplying your own batting, it should be 8” wider AND 8” longer than the quilt top.
  • I will refuse inferior batting, and substitute 80/20 at $10/yd.

Shipping

  • After preparing your quilt, complete the request form online. Once it is submitted, an email will be sent to you with my shipping address.
  • Place the quilt top, backing, batting (if not purchasing from me), and request form in a plastic bag to protect it from the damp and damage during shipping. I will do the same when I return it to you.
  • For security, please do NOT write quilt on the outside of the shipping box.
  • Please send me an email or text when you have mailed the quilt so I can watch for it.
  • I will email or text you when your package arrives.
  • Once payment is received, I will text or email you the tracking number when it is on the way back home to you.

Local Drop Off & Pick Up

  • After preparing your quilt, complete the online request form.
  • I will email or text your to arrange a drop off time and location. I often pick up and drop off quilts at QGI, QGIN, IMQG, and Mudsocks.
  • If you are local and this is the first time I am quilting for you, I’d prefer the first drop off to be at my studio. It helps me to get to know your quilting style one on one.