Quilt Top

1.   Make sure your quilt top has been pressed and all threads cleaned up. Loose dark threads left on the back of the light colored patches of the quilt top can really detract from the quilt if they are caught between layers.

2.  If there is a difference between the top and bottom of your quilt top, mark the top of your quilt top with a safety pin.

3.  Please be sure all seams are secure.

4.  It is very important that your top is square. If there is a problem with the squareness of the top, there may also be a problem with how the quilting design lays on the quilt.

5.  Please do a row of stitching about 1/4" from all outside edges. This prevents seams from popping open and also helps to keep your quilt stabilized, especially if you have bias edges on the outside border.  Do not use a serger for this.

6.  If you have selected a pantograph (all over pattern) and have a preference, please specify whether you want the pattern to go vertically or horizontally on the quilt.

7.  If there is any fullness in your quilt or ruffles in your borders, I will do my best when quilting to try to ease in the fullness. But quilt tops with these problems may have tucks and pleats after the quilting is complete.

Backing

1.  Backings (lining) need to be 8” to 10” larger on the length and width of the quilt top. For example:  if you have a 60" x 60" quilt, your backing should be 68” x 68” or 70" x 70". This will supply the needed 4" to 5” on all sides of the quilt.

2.  It’s preferable to have the backing fabric color be something close to the quilt top color(s).   Having a dark fabric backing and light quilt top will result in a less than desirable stitch showing thru. I recommend using the same color thread, or close in color, on the top as on the back.  For example, if a dark bobbin is used with a light top, very tiny portions of the bobbin thread might be visible on the top. And if a dark thread is used on the top, the tiny portions of the thread may be visible on a light colored back.

3.  Fabrics need to be 100% cotton to get the best results. Poly/cotton and other fabric blends stretch differently and can cause puckering during quilting. Please do not use sheets, as the higher thread count can cause skipped stitches and other irregularities in the stitch quality, and cause problems with thread breakage in my machine.

4.  Remove selvages from backing fabric before seaming.

5.  Please make sure backing is cut square also. Use a 90 degree ruler to make sure it is square. If you are seaming the backing, make sure all seams are square also. Once the backing is loaded on the machine it cannot be readjusted, so please keep this in mind.

6.  Press all seams open.

7.  Press and fold neatly if mailing or place on hanger if delivering.

Batting

I stock Hobbs Heirloom 80/20 cotton/poly blend and Hobbs Heirloom 100% cotton w/scrim, Hobbs washable wool, and  Hobbs Polydown 100% polyester.  All of these battings are favorites as they create spectacular results in the weight and feel of the finished quilt. Please refer to the Services and Pricing pages for the cost.  If you would rather use something else and it is not on the list below please inquire about it before sending.

While the above battings are highly recommended the following battings will be accepted.

- Warm & Natural needled cotton (by the Warm Company)

Please note there are some battings that do not work well on the quilting machine. Battings that pull apart easily, shred, or bunch are difficult to use.  Some examples are:

- Mountain Mist 100% natural cotton

- Poly-fil Traditional batting by Fairfield

- Soft Touch cotton batting by Fairfield

You may be requested to change your batting.

Battings need to be the same size as the backing (lining).  For example . . . if you have a 60" x 60" quilt, you will need to supply batting at least 68” x 68” up to  70" x 70".

Please do not cut your battings if they are packaged. Send in the original packaging or send along the bag they came out of.

Miscellaneous:

If you are shipping your quilt to me, please send it in a box large enough to hold the finished quilt.

Do NOT pin or baste quilt layers together.

If I am applying your binding, please include fabric and specify the desired finished width. Binding is applied using the French-fold (double binding) or the single binding method.  Please specify which you prefer. Single binding is preferred for wall hangings or quilts that will not be used frequently. It is also used for scalloped-edge quilts.  French binding is the most durable edge finish for bed quilts because of the extra thickness.

**Please note -- I reserve the right to refuse any quilt.