Handy hints for preparing a quilt for professional quilting.

If you are thinking of sending a quilt top to a professional longarm quilter, and are wondering what you can do to make sure you get the best possible result, I have some suggestions for you here.



Quilt Top:
1. The quilt top should be relatively square and the borders should lie flat. To avoid fullness in your border, measure through the centre of your quilt top, cut a strip of border fabric to that measurement, then pin to the body of the quilt and sew. Do not cut a long strip for the border and then sew as the top fabric will ‘walk’ and you will have wavy borders.
2. Clip loose threads and press quilt top well with seams lying flat in the proper direction and no tucks. This is especially important for in- the- ditch quilting.
3. Stay-stitch 1/8” from outer edge of quilt top if there are any biases or pieced edges, or thin fabrics. This stabilises the edges, helps keep the quilt square, and protects it from the pull of the machine rollers.


Backing:
1. Backs should be approximately 4” larger than the quilt top on all sides, squared and pressed.
2. Backing seams should have all selvedges removed, with a ½-1” seam allowance pressed open. Bed sheets are too thin for the machine tension to work properly and may not wear well.

I have a large selection of wide backings here, and a good selection of battings including black.

I hope you are making the most of the cold days enjoying your sewing, take care.