Get a Quote

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prepare my quilt for long arm quilting?
Your quilt top, backing and batting should be separate. Do not pin or baste the layers together. If your quilt has a definite top, place a safety pin in the top left corner, so I know which is the top or the “head” of your quilt. Please press your quilt top and backing before you bring it to me. Your backing material should be six inches longer and six inches wider than the quilt top. This will allow ample length to attach your quilt to the leaders on my quilting frame. Clip any loose threads and be sure your seams are well pressed.
If you have a piano key border or a border with multiple seams, stitch a scant ¼ single line of stitching around the entire border on the outer edge. This helps keep the seams from “opening up” when I pin it on the quilting frame.
What size of backing should I use?
Your backing should be six inches longer and six inches wider than your quilt top. If the backing is longer or wider than six inches, I’ll return any unused fabric. If your backing is seamed, be sure to remove the salvage edges before sewing the seam. It is helpful if you square your backing before you bring your quilt to me.
Can I use a sheet or a non-cotton fabric for the backing?
The short answer is yes; however, be sure the sheet is six inches longer and six inches wider than the quilt top. Sheets come in a wide variety of colors and are often more economical than wide back quilting fabrics. Be sure your sheet is new or in very good shape. You don’t want to use an old well-loved sheet that may not last very long as a quilt backing. Bed sheets are tightly woven and are more difficult to hand quilt and it may be harder to hand quilt the binding, but machine quilting on a sheet is usually not an issue. Consider the fabric content of the sheet and be sure it complements the fabric content of your quilt top.
Do you have batting?
Yes, I will use white or natural colored 80/20 cotton batting. I purchase rolls of batting on-line and will charge per linear inch for the batting I use on your quilt.
Can I bring my own batting?
You can certainly bring your own batting, be sure it is six inches longer and six inches wider than your quilt top.
Do you use computerized quilting designs?
All of my quilting is free motion quilting and designed to enhance your beautiful quilt top. I do not use digitized quilting patterns. My goal is to work with you to develop a quilting pattern that matches your intent and budget.
How long will it take to quilt my quilt?
I am a one person business and pride myself on trying to keep the turnaround time to a minimum. I also realize your quilt may be an heirloom or have a special meaning and I will strive to spend good quality time to quilt it professionally. Wall hangings or baby quilts can be finished in a day and queen or king size quilts may take a couple of days to finish. My turn around time is usually about a month; however, it just depends on how many customer quilts have been entrusted to me. Call me and I can give you an estimated date of completion and how many quilts I have in que to be quilted.
What about thread?
You do not need to provide thread. I use high quality thread from Superior Threads. Be sure to let me know if you have a specific color of thread to match your quilt top.
Can I ship my quilt top and backing to you?
Unfortunately, I don’t accept quilts that are shipped to me. I would hate for an heirloom or special family quilt to be lost in shipping. I simply can’t guarantee the safe return (or receipt) of your special quilt if I have to rely on the mail.