Longarm Quilting Prep: Getting Your Quilt Ready
How to ensure your quilt is 'quilt-ready' for the professional.
Handing your quilt top over to a professional longarm quilter is an exciting milestone. However, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring the best results. A longarmer isn't a magician—if the backing is too small or the top is 'wavy,' the final product will have issues. Here's how to prepare like a pro.
The Backing and Batting 'Overage'
As mentioned in our backing guide, your backing MUST be 8-10 inches larger than your quilt top. The same applies to the batting. This allows the quilter to attach the fabric to the rollers and ensures they can quilt right off the edge of the top without hitting the clamps. Our calculator helps you verify these dimensions before you buy your materials.
Pressing and Trimming Threads
Press your quilt top flat, and ensure the seams are pushed in the directions specified by your pattern (or open). Trimming 'loose threads' on the back is also vital—dark threads can show through light-colored fabrics once the quilt is finished, and they can get caught in the quilting machine's foot.
Squaring Up Your Backing
While the quilt top might be perfectly square, the backing needs to be too. If the backing is 'wonky,' it won't roll onto the machine straight, which can cause pleats or puckers on the back of the finished quilt. Take the time to square up your backing fabric before handing it over.
Stay-Stitching the Edges
If your quilt has many seams along the outside edge (like a border made of small pieces), consider 'stay-stitching' 1/8 inch from the edge all the way around. This prevents the seams from popping open while the quilt is under tension on the longarm frame.
FAQ
Should I baste my quilt before giving it to a longarmer?
No. Longarmers prefer the three layers (top, batting, backing) to be separate. They load them onto the machine individually to ensure perfect tension for each layer.
What is 'fullness' in a quilt top?
Fullness occurs when a border is longer than the quilt center, causing the edge to 'wave.' A longarmer can sometimes 'quilt out' minor fullness, but significant waves will result in pleats. Use our border calculator to avoid this!
Can I provide my own batting?
Yes, most quilters allow this, but check with them first. Some machines work better with specific brands or types (80/20 cotton poly, bamboo, wool, etc.).