Preparing your quilt......
Quilt Top
******Which way is up?
Mark the top of your quilt with painters tape or a note pinned on indicating the top. This ensures your quilt top and backing are loaded and quilted in the direction you are envisioning.
*****Borders
Did you add borders? Check to see the borders do not have extra fabric. Best way to add borders.......watch this great video so that no extra fabric is added into the borders.
Adding Borders to a Quilt by Melissa at Fork Mtn Quilting (Rocky Mount, Va)
*****Trim Thread
Trim as many loose threads and unraveling fabrics the best you can. This is important you have a light colored quilt top or light and dark fabric together. Threads can show through after quilting.
Quilt Back
What size should my backing be?
Backing needs to be 4” extra ON ALL SIDES. Backing can always be bigger, but cannot be smaller.
Example: If your quilt top is 60” x 80”, your backing should measure at least 68” x 88”.
What if I have a seam in my backing?
Ideally this seam will run horizontal across the width of your backing. This way when the backing is loaded onto the longarm the seam isn’t stressed during the entire quilting process.
It is good to use a ½” seam allowance when you piece the backing . The extra allowance helps ensure the seam lays flat during quilting. An extra couple backstitches on the ends of the seam will help them stay put.
If your backing is directional please use painters tape to mark "top" of your quilt backing.
It is helpful to leave the selvage on your backing. This will be helpful when loading the quilt on the longarm. If you have more backing than needed you do not need to trim.
Batting
Preferred batting is quality batting such as Quilter's Dream or Hobbs however, you are welcome to provide your batting as long as it is specifically labeled as "suitable for machine quilting".
Also, I have Quilter's Dream 80/20 (80% cotton/20% poly blend) or Quilter's Dream wool (light weight) for purchase.
Links to information about the batting:
