Preparing Your Quilt Top & Backing*- Checklist
Be sure your borders are flat and fit properly.Wavy borders need to be corrected. There is
a right and wrong way to attaching borders. Puckers and tucks cannot be quilted out.
See
my favorite links to learn how to apply borders.
Look over and repair any popped seams. Any gaps in seams could result in your quilt top tearing
during quilting.
If your top is pieced to the edge or the border
is heavily pieced, stay stitch 1/4" around all edges to secure the seams. Be sure the seams are
stay stitched in the correct pressing direction.
Check to see that all seams are pressed in the desired directions. Avoid bulky intersections.
Thorough pressing can really make a difference in the final product.
Trim all threads and remove stray threads from underneath as they may show through light fabric.
Note: No buttons, pins or embellishments. These items could get caught up in the hopping foot
and result in your quilt top tearing. Wait until the quilt is finished to embellish.
Identify the head of the quilt top (if this applies) with a safety pin. Do the same for the back
if necessary.
Square your quilt top. If your top is scalloped or has contoured corners, baste a piece of muslin
across the edge to make it square. Suggestion: Wait to cut scalloped edge after quilt is quilted. Mark scallop line
clearly to know where to quilt. See
my favorite links to learn how to properly
square your quilt.
Backing should be preshrunk. Some battings also require presoaking. I offer this service as well as 4 popular quality
battings. You may supply your own, however, I reserve the right to refuse to work with substandard batting. You would be
notified first if this were the case.
The backing and batting both need to be 6 to 8" longer and wider than the measurement of the quilt top. For extra
large quilts or double layered quilts, allow 8 to 10" in both directions.
Note: Bed sheets will not be accepted for backing. For best effect, use a busy fabric that will compliment
the quilt top and blend with the thread chosen for the top. In most cases, I use the same thread on top and in the bobbin
to perfect the tension.
Selvages and threads must be trimmed from backing seams and backing pressed well. Backing must also be squared.
Do not pin, layer or baste the quilt together. Fold the top, backing and batting (if supplying your own)
separately.
Prepare and include
binding if I am attaching it for you.
Prepare and include fabric for the
hanging sleeve if I am attaching it for you.
Click on the highlighted words above, or
Judy's Links to successfully do-it-yourself. Share these how to's
with quilting friends. These guidelines will not only enhance the appearance of your quilt, but make your piecing
and quilting more enjoyable.
* I do offer the service of handling ony of these preparations for you. See
Extra Charges/ Other Services.
Specify on the
order form what you want me to do. If I find it necessary to provide these extra services because
preparations have been overlooked, I will confirm the fees with you before any work is started.
