Quilt and Binding Preparation
Checklist
For a quick check on the backing and wadding required see here
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No
Basting – Good news! There is no need to baste your top, wadding and
backing, as each layer is attached to the long arm quilting machine
separately. If you have a quilt that
you have already basted together in the past, which you now intend to have
long arm quilted, you will need to remove the basting stitches or pins before
you hand it over for the best results.
If required this can be done for a small fee.
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Backing
fabric dimensions – your backing fabric will need to be at least 8” wider and 8” longer than
your quilt top. This allows the quilting
frame clamps to keep it taut to prevent tucks and to keep the stitching even
right up to the edge. (See this article for further information).
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Backing
Fabric – There are a range of extra wide 108” backing fabrics available at
quilt shops and online and these provide a back without having any seams on
it. I have a small selection available that may be suitable for your project. Alternatively, piece together your
backing fabric with a ½” seam (preferably with a horizontal seam), removing the selvedge edges, and press these
seams open. To ensure your quilt drapes
nicely, square up your backing fabric beforehand.
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Wadding
dimensions – your wadding will need to be at least 6” wider and 6” longer than your quilt top. During the quilting process the wadding and
the fabric will be drawn in slightly, so a little extra is required to accommodate
this. (See this article for further information).
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Wadding
Choice – there are a range of waddings on the market, all of which I am
happy to work with. I can provide
wadding ( Hobbs 80/20, Hobbs Polydown, Hobbs 100% Wool, Quilters Dream 100% Cotton) if required at an additional cost. Different waddings will offer
different results, please consult the manufacturers guidelines to understand
the shrinkage rates for washing and the maximum distance required between
stitches.
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Press
your quilt top and backing fabric – press your seams flat and make sure
your quilt is delivered at its best. As
you press your quilt remove any loose threads on the top of the quilt, as these
can get stitched into the quilting.
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Trim
loose threads – Check the front and the back of the quilt top for loose
threads. Stray threads can get stitched
into the quilting, usually in the most inappropriate place. In particular, light coloured fabrics will
allow any untrimmed dark threads to show through.
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Embellishments
– If you intend to add buttons, beads or sequins to your quilt top, please do
this once it has been quilted. Any
embellishments or pins left on the quilt can damage the long arm quilting
machine.
