Preparing your Quilt for
LongArm Quilting
Here are a few tips for getting your quilt ready to be long arm quilted!
I hope this takes away the stress and nerves that come with sending your quilts to a Long Arm Quilter. I've heard countless times from people how nervous they are to send their quilts to be long arm quilted, fearing that their quilts aren’t good enough!
I am here to rid you of those thoughts!
Mark the Top of your Quilt Top
If your quilt is directional, or you want one side to be the top, please designate this. This is extra important if the quilting design you choose is directional. I want to make sure you don’t end up with an upside down quilt. The easiest way to mark the top is with a sticky note or a piece of masking tape and securing with a pin.
Preparing your backing
Most of us long arm quilters ask for at least 4 inches extra backing on EACH side (4 inches horizontally on top and bottom and 4 inches vertically on both sides). This is to give your quilter enough room to attach the quilt onto the quilting frame. If you are piecing your backing it is best to have the seam running horizontally. Horizontal seams on your backing help with your quilt not sagging on the frame.
Batting
Most long arm quilters will have batting that you can purchase through them or you can bring your own if you prefer. The most common batting that I keep on hand for my customers is 80/20 cotton/poly blend batting and 100% cotton. Getting batting through your long arm quilter is a great option because you do not have to go out and purchase the batting beforehand and they can cut the batting correctly to fit your quilt. If the quilter does not carry the type of batting you prefer, you can always provide your own, just keep in mind that your batting also needs to be 4 inches bigger on each side of your quilt top.
Ironing Your Quilt
If you are taking your quilt top to a local long arm quilter it is best to give your quilt top a good iron and then fold it loosely right before dropping it off. If you are going to be shipping a quilt to your quilter, still give your quilt top a good iron.
Some quilters charge a fee to iron your quilt top if needed, so make sure to be aware of that.