How to Prepare For Carol’s Long Arm
Quilting Service
You have worked so hard on piecing your quilt together, so please read the following instructions / information carefully. Proper preparation is essential to obtaining good results. If you have any questions regarding these instructions or information regarding my services we can discuss them at our initial consultation, or feel free to call or text me at: 289-823-0714 or e-mail me at: carolslongarm@gmail.com.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Please do not pin or baste your quilt layers together as they will be loaded on the long arm machine independently of one another.
The batting and backing should be at least five inches longer and five inches wider than your quilt top. For example, if your quilt measures 60” X 80”, the batting and backing should measure 65” X 85”.
Additional charges will apply if your quilt layers are not properly prepared. Turnaround time is approximately 5 – 10 business days. Payment terms: COD (cash or e-transfer)
QUILT TOP:
Quilt top must be free from all embellishments.
Make sure your quilt top is square and properly pressed. Press seam allowance to leave the least amount of bulk at the seam. Trim all loose threads on your quilt as they can cause snags and uneven stitching. Please be sure that all your stitches are secure and will withstand being pulled. Stay Stitch (1/4” or less) around the edge of your top if it is pieces to the edge or you notice the fabric fraying. Make sure your borders lay flat.
Once your quilt top is properly prepared for quilting, fold carefully.
BACKING:
A one-piece backing allows for best results (use a “wide back” to eliminate piecing). Flannel backing has a different stretch factor than cotton, so this may have an effect on the end result. If you piece your backing, use a ½” seam allowance and press the seam open. Please trim off the selvage edges before seaming your backing. You can leave the selvage edges on the outside edges of the quilt. Make sure the backing is square and properly pressed.
Once your quilt back is properly prepared for quilting, fold carefully.
BATTING:
For your convenience I offer batting at very reasonable prices by the metre. Ask me for a quote.
If you are not purchasing batting from me, then your batting must be suitable for machine quilting. Make sure batting is squared and pressed. Packaged batting must be steamed and pressed. The excessive creases could show in the final results.
Once your batting is properly prepared for quilting, fold carefully.
Other Services
BINDING:
With fabric provided by the customer, I offer three levels of binding service for a fee:
Level #1: I can make the binding using 2 ½ inch straight grain cuts.
Level #2: I can make the binding using 2 ½ inch straight grain cuts, and apply by machine to the front.
Level #3: I can make the binding using 2 ½ inch straight grain cuts, apply by machine to the front, and hand finish at the back. Corners will be mitered.
To calculate how much fabric I will need for binding, here is a simple calculation:
W + W + L + L + 12 = _____ /40 = # of 2 ½ strips. # x 2 ½ = _______
Example: Lap Quilt 54 x 72 (54 + 54 + 72 + 72 + 12 = 264 / 40 = 6.6 x 2 ½ = 16 1/5 “ of fabric. ½ meter of fabric would be enough to make the binding for this size quilt.)
QUILT SLEEVES:
With fabric provided by the customer, I can create and install a permanent sleeve or removable sleeve for a fee. There are many different ways of hanging a quilt and we can discuss which way is right for you at our initial consult.
Fabric requirement is 10” by width of finished quilt including binding.
PRE-QUILTED FABRIC FOR SEWING AND CRAFTING PROJECTS:
Fabric stores offer a very limited supply of pre-quilted fabric for sewing and crafting projects such as quilted placemats, quilted handbags / totes and quilted jackets only to name a few.
With my long arm I can quilt your favorite fabric for you to complete these projects.
Same preparation rules required for this service.
INTERESTED IN LEARNING HOW TO QUILT. I OFFER ONE ON ONE QUILTING LESSONS.
Basic piece quilting lessons available for the beginner. Learn how to create just one quilt block and see how many beautiful quilts you can make with it. The possibilities are endless. Call me for more details if interested.