quilt prep

Quilt tops and backing should be squared ahead of time.  (This is critical for proper loading onto the longarm so the quilt doesn’t get all higgledy-piggledy after all your hard work!) If your quilt top and/or backing has designated top and bottom, please place a safety pin on the top edge.

Please be sure to check seams and trim threads before shipping.  In my own making, I’m not a big thread trimmer once a quilt top is complete.  I always try to check for and remove loose threads as I load the quilt, but it’s not always on my radar once I start stitching, especially if I’m quilting from the back of the machine! 

Batting should be at least 4 inches longer and 4 inches wider than your quilt top.  Your backing should be at least 8 inches longer and wider.  For example, if your quilt is 50 x 70, your batting should be at least 54 x 74 and your backing should be at least 58 x 78.

The submission form has an option to donate batting scraps.  Any designated scraps will be cut down and used as stuffing for dog beds that will be donated to a local animal shelter.  This is completely optional and anyone who chooses to donate can designate maximum strip sizes (i.e. strips less than or equal to 3” wide).  I will always try to maximize the useable batting leftover from a quilt in case it can be used in future projects.

If you would like me to attach your binding to the front of the quilt, please have your strips sewn together and pressed in half so it is ready to go.  I will stitch the binding to the quilt top using a ¼” seam and you may finish sewing the binding to the back using your very favorite method.