FAQs
I've never used a longarm quilter before, what is the process?
You complete a quilt top and decide to send it to me to have longarm quilting done (YAY!)
Using the Quilt Intake Form on this site, you tell me what thread, design, batting, etc you'd like me to use. You’ll also see options to discuss all these details with me instead of choosing yourself.
When you are ready to drop off your quilt, you contact me to arrange an appointment.
You prepare your quilt top to be sent by giving it a good press, clipping any threads, and carefully folding it up on the bias to reduce wrinkles. If there is a specific way you want your quilt loaded, please mark the top with a piece of painters tape/pins so I can be sure to know that.
If shipping, package your quilt top in a bag inside a sturdy box and send that quilt my way. (Did I tell you that I love getting quilty mail?)
Once I receive your quilt, I'll let you know that’s its arrived.
If there are any outstanding design decisions to be made, I'll reach out to you and we can finalize the details.
When I'm done stitching out your chosen design, I'll send you both a series of pictures and the invoice. My preferred method of payment is etransfer.
Once the invoice has been paid, you can pick up your quilt or I'll package it up and mail it back to you!
What do I need to do to prepare my quilt top?
double check that your batting and backing are large enough (see next question!)
ensure your quilt top is square
give the top a good press
clip any long threads so they don't show through your quilt top
mark the top of your quilt and backing with a piece of green painters tape
please do not pin or baste your layers together - they are loaded onto the quilting frame separately
How much extra batting and backing should I provide?
Your batting should be an extra 2 inches larger than your quilt top on every side, so an extra 4 inches in each direction. I will automatically include this if you are purchasing batting from me.
Your quilt backing should be an extra 4-6 inches bigger on each side, or 8-10 inches bigger in length and width.
Do I need to trim off the excess if my batting or backing are larger than you need?
No, unless you'd like to! I will always send back the extra fabric and binding with your quilt. The only time I have ever trimmed batting is if it's larger than I can accommodate on my frame (more than about 110" wide). In that case, I will trim and you will get the extra back.
Why is the batting charged per inch?
Quilting expenses can definitely add up. You’re already investing in longarm quilting and a high quality batting. I want to keep the prices down and make it simple to both of us to understand. Why pay for more batting than you actually need?
I don't know which batting to choose! What's the difference?
Hobbs 80/20 is a blend of 80% cotton and 20% polyester and is a high quality all purpose batting that is great for any project. The polyester give this batting a bit more loft and a lighter feel than an all cotton batting. Quilting can be up to 4" apart.
Quilters Dream 100% Cotton Batting (Select Loft) - is a natural, mid loft batting that is very versatile. Cotton will keep you warm in the winter but wick moisture away to keep you cool in the summer! This is a very popular choice for quilters looking for a batting that is made of entirely natural fibres. Quilting can be up to 8" apart.
The Quilter's Dream Orient batting is a blend of Silk, Bamboo, Botanic Tencel and Cotton. Once you try it, I swear that you'll never want another batting! It has the most beautiful drape right off the bolt - and you can machine wash and dry (on cool) with minimal shrinkage. Quilting can be up to 8" apart.
Hobbs Tuscany Wool batting is made entirely from superwashed wool, which helps to prevent bearding. Wool is very resistant to creases and is often chosen for show quilts because of this property. Quilts made with wool batting need a bit more care to be laundered but can still be machine washed and dried. Quilting can be up to 4" apart.
I'm feeling a bit nervous about trusting my quilt top to a stranger!
Okay, not a question, but an important thing for me to discuss. I completely understand - I know how much work you've put into piecing your top! And to send it off to someone and have to wait while they work with it and you can't see? It can be hard! I want you to feel as comfortable as possible so put a note in the additional comments section of the Quilt Intake Form. I'm happy to send you text or email updates with photos along the way. That way you can see exactly what's going on and rest assured that your quilt is in good hands :)
I've tried to cover most of the important things, but please don't hesitate to contact me if there is anything else you would like to know. I'm also happy to discuss your specific quilt top before you submit the Quilt Intake Form so you can be confident your quilt will turn out the way you envision!
