Preparing Your Quilt For Machine Quilting
1. Do not baste your quilt.
2. Identify the head of quilt top and head of back, if necessary.
3. The quilt backing and batting should be a minimum of 4 inches wider and
4 inches longer than quilt top. Backing should have the selvedges removed
and be squared up.
4. Measure the center of the quilt top vertically. Then measure the
outside edges vertically. If there is more than a 1-1/2 inch difference, it is
possible that your top will have tucks when quilted. Do the same measurements
horizontally. The most common reasons for measurement differences are stretched
bias edges and mitered corners that leave extra fabric on one or both sides of
the miter. Too much easement when piecing blocks can result in small tents or
puckers, which will cause tucks when the quilt is quilted. See our
instructions on our
borders page for more information.
5. The edges of the quilt top should be straight and square with seams intact to the edge. Also, the quilt top should be free of embellishments, such as buttons, charms, pins, etc. You may do those after the quilt is quilted.
6. Check quilt top for seam breaks. Old quilts and hand stitched quilts are prone to seam breaks. These can cause tearing of the quilt top and sometimes the back.
7. The quilt top and backing should be clipped of loose threads, both front and back, that can cause snags and uneven stitching. On lighter fabrics, loose threads on the back side of the top will show through.
8. Top and backing should be pressed with seams pressed open or to one side. See our page on pressing.
9. Note: Some quilting patterns are copyrighted. If you prefer to use one of these, we will apply them. There may be additional delay for delivery from our supplier. There may be additional expense to you depending on our inventory.
10. Be sure to cut or tear off selvages before applying to quilt top or sewing the back together.