Proper preparation of your quilt top and quilt back is essential for a good result, please use the following guidelines when getting your quilt ready to be machine quilted:
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The three layers of your quilt will be loaded on the machine independently of one another. Please do not pin or baste them together.
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The batting and backing should measure at least 6-8 inches longer and 6-8 inches wider than your quilt top. For example, if your quilt measures 60"x80", the batting and backing should measure 66”-68" X 86"-88” Please do not cut off selveges.
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Press seams well. Be sure the top lies flat. Ripples and "puffy" places will not necessarily quilt flat. Wavy borders also will not quilt flat.
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The quilt should be free of embellishments such as buttons, beads and puffy applique.
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Clip all loose threads and be sure seams have been pressed.
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Please mark the "top" of your quilt top and quilt backing.
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Backstitch all outer seams to ensure that the stitching does not come loose with handling.
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Make sure that all seams are secure when sewing. Seams that are not sewn together securely can pop open with loading on the machine. These areas may be caught by the rapid motion of the needle/foot and could cause tears in your quilt top.
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Do you have a lot of pieces to your border? Sew a 1/8th inch seam around the edge of your quilt top to ensure that these seams don't pull apart.
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Square the quilt top and quilt backing. Square up each section of your quilt top before adding another border.
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Borders that are too long/wavy will not shorten with quilting and can cause your quilt to be misshaped, have puckers and your designs may be distorted when finished. To make straight and appropriate-sized borders use the following guidelines:
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Measure the quilt top from top to bottom through its vertical midpoint and both sides. (or an average of these three measurements if the measurements are not the same).
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Cut border strips that match this measurement exactly.
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Pin from the center out then sew borders onto the sides of the quilt.
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Repeat the process for the top and bottom of the quilt.
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You now have a quilt with borders that fit, and are the correct measurements for the quilt top.
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Bedsheets are not suitable for the backing because of their thread count. They can cause skipped stitches, batting to poke through, holes from the needle and needle breaks. There are exceptions to this so please ask before you send a bedsheet for backing.
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Press open all seams on the backing.
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You are welcome to supply your own batting or we can supply it and add it to your invoice.
Prices are figured per square inch. To find this total, measure the length and width of your quilt top in inches and multiply. For example, a quilt measuring 80" by 90" would be 7200 square inches, multiply 7200 x .02 to then equal $144.00 for your cost for this quilt. This price is for the quilting only and does not include batting or any other services.
Most computerized edge-to-edge pantographs - .02 cents per square inch (depending on density)
Dense stippling/quilting starts at .03 cents per square inch
There is a minimum charge of $25.00 for each item that is 1250 square inches or less
An additional labor charge of $25.00 per hour will be added for any miscellaneous work such as repairing seems or squaring up the back or pressing bulky seams etc. There will also be a charge if your backing is not wide enough and we have to sew leaders on.
There will be a charge of $10.00 per seam to sew the backing from regular yardage.
If you want to put a RUSH on your quilt, there will be an expedited fee of $25.00 to $100.00 (Depending on the size of the quilt and how soon it is needed)
Payment is expected upon completion of the quilt. We accept cash, checks or credit cards.
* Pricing is subject to change without notice.