Proper preparation of your quilt top and quilt back is essential to a good result. Any preparations that I need to do or that you request me to do such as trimming of the top prior to quilting, seaming backing, pressing backing, etc. will be billed at $20 per hour ($5 per quarter-hour). The following checklist should help you in preparing your quilt top and backing so it is ready to be quilted:
* The three layers of your quilt (top, batting, backing) are NOT pinned or basted together--each is separate.
* In order for the quilt machine head to reach the absolute edge of your quilt top, the batting and backing are at least 8 inches longer and wider than your quilt top. Example: if your quilt is 62” x 74”, your batting and backing would each measure 70” x 82”.
* All fabric selvages are removed from the backing fabric so that the backing fabric will lay flat. Because of their high thread count, bed sheets should not be used as backing.
* Because centering the top and backing in both directions is nearly impossible, a backing with a center design or a border may not be centered in the finished quilt.
* Your quilt top is free of all buttons, beads, sequins, etc. so that it will have easy clearance beneath the quilt machine sewing foot.
* Your quilt top is trimmed to its final size—The only trimming I will do of your quilt is when the quilting is completed. I will trim off any excess backing and batting.
*Stay-stitching has been applied 1/4 inch completely around the quilt top’s edge so seams don’t pull apart, especially on quilts that do not have a border.
* All loose threads on both sides of your quilt top have been trimmed off.
* Your quilt top has been thoroughly pressed flat with seams open or to one side to avoid ripples and puffy places.
* It may be obvious but just to be sure, identify the top side of both your quilt top and backing with a note pinned to each. Do the same if your quilt has a “head” and “foot”.