Preparing your quilt top correctly helps it load smoothly onto the longarm quilting machine and supports the best possible quilting results. Before mailing your project to Online Quilting Studio, follow these simple preparation steps.
Press the quilt top
Press your quilt top carefully from the front and back. Make sure the seams lie as flat as possible. Fold the pressed quilt neatly to prevent unnecessary wrinkles during shipping.
Trim loose threads
Trim loose threads from both sides of the quilt top. Pay particular attention to dark threads behind light-colored fabric because they may show through after quilting.
Check the seams
Inspect the quilt top for open, weak, or loose seams. Repair them before shipping. The quilt top must be machine pieced. Online Quilting Studio cannot accept hand-sewn quilt tops because tension from the longarm machine’s roller bars may pull hand-sewn seams apart.
Make sure the quilt top is square
Check that the quilt lies reasonably flat and that its borders are not excessively wavy. Fullness, uneven borders, or fabric that does not lie flat can affect the finished appearance of the quilting.
Prepare the backing fabric
Your backing fabric must be at least 8 inches wider and 10 inches longer than the quilt top. This provides approximately 4 extra inches on each side and 5 extra inches at the top and bottom.
For example, if your quilt top measures 60 × 80 inches, your backing should measure at least 68 × 90 inches.
Press the backing fabric and trim loose threads. If the backing is pieced, make sure its seams are secure and pressed neatly.
Remove bulky items
Remove pins, buttons, charms, beads, and other bulky embellishments unless Online Quilting Studio has approved them in advance. These items can interfere with the quilting machine or damage the quilt.
Identify the top of the quilt
Attach a small note to identify the top edge of the quilt top and the top edge of the backing fabric, especially when the fabric or design has a clear direction. Use a safety pin or another secure method that will not leave adhesive on the fabric.
Do not baste the layers together
Send the quilt top and backing as separate pieces. Do not pin, spray-baste, or sew them together. The layers must be loaded separately onto the longarm quilting machine.
Package the quilt securely
Fold the quilt top and backing neatly and place them together inside a clean, sealed plastic bag. The plastic bag helps protect the fabric from moisture during shipping. Place the sealed bag inside a sturdy shipping box and include your name and order number inside the package.
Before you ship
Complete your online order before mailing your quilt. Keep your inbound tracking number and consider purchasing carrier insurance, especially for valuable or irreplaceable projects.
A little preparation goes a long way toward creating a smooth quilting experience. When your quilt arrives, we will inspect and measure it before quilting begins. If we notice a concern, we will contact you before proceeding.
You create the quilt top. We’ll help you finish it beautifully.