QUILT PREPARATION GUIDE
My number one priority is for you to be thrilled with your completed quilt! By following the tips below, we can ensure your quilt top, backing fabric, and batting are perfectly ready for longarm quilting.
Your quilt top, backing, and batting (the "quilt sandwich") will be assembled directly on the quilting frame. If you're providing your own batting and backing fabric please keep all layers separate. This prevents any loose fibers from the batting getting onto your quilt top or backing ensuring a clean finish.
Quilt Top Preparation
If your quilt top has seams along its outer edges, I recommend stay stitching 1/8-inch from the raw edge. Think of this as your "victory lap" before the quilting begins! It's a simple stitch just inside the raw edge that secures the seams and prevents stretching or fraying.
Victory Lap! This 1/8-inch stay stitch secures the edges to keep everything stable for perfect quilting.
Press and Trim
Please press your quilt top thoroughly, trim any loose threads and repair any loose seams. Pressing from the back can help direct your seams smoothly and allows you to easily trim dark threads that might otherwise show through on a light background.
Measure
Accurately measure the width and length of your quilt top. This measurement is crucial for determining the correct size for your backing fabric and batting.
Which Way is Up?
If the orientation of your quilt top isn't obvious, it's helpful to mark the top edge with a safety pin.
Backing Fabric Preparation
Your backing fabric must be at least 8 inches (20cm) longer and 8 inches (20cm) wider than your quilt top. This means if you centre the quilt top over the backing, there will be at least 4 inches (10cm) on all 4 sides. For example, if your quilt top measures 60 x 60 inches, your backing fabric needs to be at least 68 x 68 inches.
Ensure your backing has plenty of overlap with a minimum of 4 inches (10cm) needed on all sides.
Why the Extra Space?
This extra fabric is essential for attaching the backing securely to the quilt frame and for using clamps on the sides to maintain even backing fabric tension. It also allows for any necessary adjustments and accommodating a digital quilting design.
Square the Backing Fabric
It's very important to make sure your backing fabric is accurately squared. A square backing provides stability to the quilt top and helps it load evenly and stay straight on the quilting frame.
Pieced Backing Fabric?
If you're piecing your backing I recommend using a 1/2 inch seam allowance for strength and pressing the seams flat (open or to one side).
Which Way is Up?
If your backing fabric has a directional design please mark the top with a safety pin.
Batting Preparation
Is Your Batting Big Enough?
Your batting should be the same size as your quilt backing – at least 8 inches (20cm) longer and 8 inches (20cm) wider than your quilt top, and accurately squared.
For your convenience I stock Matilda's Own batting; however, I'm happy to work with the batting of your choice.
Quilt Preparation Service
Sweet Gum Quilting can prepare your quilt top or backing fabric for you for a minimum cost of $50.00.