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Guidelines for Preparing
a Quilt Top for a Longarm Quilter
Due to my allergies (chemical sensitivities), I need quilts to be
unscented.
Customers meeting in my studio -please do not wear colognes or scented lotions.
- Pre-Washing
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Always check for color fastness.
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Prewashing is recommended for quilt top fabrics and backing so shrinkage
will be consistent. |
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If the quilt top fabrics have not been prewashed, then the quilt back should
not be either. |
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Attaching borders
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Gently press quilt top before adding borders. |
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Do not sew borders by simply adding strips to each side. To attach borders properly: |
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Measure across the quilt top in three different center locations
vertically (or horizontally). |
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Determine an average length and cut two borders that length. |
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Fold each border, end to end, 2-3 times, depending on the size of the
quilt. |
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Press the folds and mark each fold with a pin. |
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Fold quilt top the same way and press the folds. Mark each fold with a
pin. |
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Unfold the quilt and borders, matching fold marks/pins. |
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Attach the two borders to the quit top, easing in fullness if necessary. |
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Press the seam gently to one side. |
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Follow the same procedure for the opposite borders. |
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Preparing the quilt top
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Remove all selvages from fabrics before beginning to piece any quilt top. |
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Do not add embellishments (e.g. buttons) before the quilting. |
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Press quilt top well. Make sure all seams are pressed. If seams are
pressed open, stitching in the ditch is not recommended. |
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Trim all hanging threads.
You do not want dark threads showing through! |
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Identify the
top of your quilt with a safety pin. |
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If the outside edge of your quilt top has bias edges or multiple seams, stay
stitch ¼’ from the edge of the entire quilt top to prevent stretching. |
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Quilt Back
Preparation
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100% cotton backing recommended.
When choosing colors, take into consideration that the bobbin thread
will be the same color as the top thread. |
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Remove all selvages. This may be done after stitching seams.
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If backing is pieced:
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Use at least ½” seams.
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Remove selvage after stitching if necessary |
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Press
backing seams open. |
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SIZE: Backing should be at least 4” larger than the quilt top on
each
of the four sides. |
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Press and square quilt back. |
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Identify the
top of your quilt back with a safety pin. |
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Batting
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Good quilting batting is a must.
"Sale" battings may not be the best quality, and I reserve the right to
refuse any customer supplied batting of "inferior" quality. The
final product is my number one consideration and good batting can
increase the longevity of your quilt. |
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Quilting “takes up” batting and backings.
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Batting should be at least 4” larger than the top on each side.
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