This is a helpful guide to assist you in preparing you Quilt Top and Backing for the long arm quilting process.

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•        Quilt top should be trimmed down to the final finished size.  We will not cut or trim your quilt
top.  Excess backing and batting may be trimmed if you desire – no extra charge.  Any extra
backing and batting will be returned to you with your completed quilt.

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•        Backing fabric must be at least 5” larger than the quilt top on all sides of the top.  In order
for the machine head to reach the absolute edge of your quilt top I need the additional clearance
of 5 inches on all sides of the quilt.  All fabric selvages must be removed from the backing fabric.  
Selvages are woven much tighter than the fabric and, if left on, will not lay flat.  Batting may be
purchased from me or brought with the quilt top.  Please remember that the quality of the batting
has a great deal to do with the final results of your quilting.

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•        If your quilt does not have an outside border I highly recommend that you “stay stitch”
slightly less than ¼” around the edge of your entire quilt to ensure the seams do not pull apart.  
This stitching will be hidden once your binding is attached to the quilt.

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•        Remove all pins, buttons, charms, sequins, couching, and any other embellishments from
your quilt top.  The sewing foot on the long arm quilting machine only has the clearance of a
nickel.  That’s not much room between the fabric and the sewing foot.

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•        Identify the top of your quilt and the top of your backing fabric with a safety pin with attached
note.

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•        Trim all loose threads on the top and underside of your quilt top.  Loose threads can be
caught in the quilting process and the results are not pretty.

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•        Press your quilt top and backing fabric well with seams laying according to your wishes.  
Remember an opened seam allowance is weaker when quilted.

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•        Measure your quilt top, bottom and center.  All measurements should be the same to ensure
that puckers do not occur in the quilting process.  Borders that do not lay flat may cause tucks,
pleats or fullness.