Preparing a quilt for Longarming

 

Quilt Preparation for the Longarming 
wequilt.org

Quilt preparation is the first step for getting the best quilting possible.

 We operate a hand guided longarm using edge to edge patterns. We enjoy working closely with the quilter to optimize their desires regarding the finished product. Custom work is accepted after a one on one consultation.

 Square Quilt and Backing:  Your quilt should be square (same width top & bottom/same length left and right side) to load on the frame correctly for best results during the longarm process to prevent waviness.   Note: Very often there is a slight difference…1/4 to 3/4” variance…this is no problem. So, please square your blocks in your top and measure your quilt at the top, bottom and middle – get an average measurement and cut your borders to fit your quilt based on that average. This helps in preventing wavy borders.  

If you are piecing your backing, please square your blocks as you piece to keep the seams as straight as possible without puckers. If there are any squaring issues, we will contact you so they can be corrected. Backing seams should run horizontally (left to right) This eliminates puckering as the quilt is being advanced on the frame. A thick vertical seam can easily cause issues as the quilt is advanced in the longarming process. Remember…when it is all said and done…the back is 50% of the quilt you have spent hours making. Don’t short change your efforts by cutting corners on the backing. We would never recommend ‘muslin’. If that is your choice, we will complete your quilt as you request.  

If you are not putting a border on your top, stitch the perimeter of the quilt (stay stitching) as close to the edge as possible to eliminate seam separation when tension is applied when loaded on the longarm frame.

Extra Backing and Batting:  To fit your quilt on the frame we need an extra 8” – 10” (10” preferred) of backing.  This means 4” – 5” extra of backing all the way around the quilt. Minky backs MUST be 10” Wider/Longer than the top. The best results using Minky are seen when the “selvage” edges are left and right (width) sides of the backing. Not TOP/BOTTOM.

If you provide batting it should be 6” wider and at least 10” longer than the pieced top. Currently we charge $.20 cents an inch for 80/20 96”. We stock Hobbs. We carry packaged batting in different lengths and blends. Our cost plus 15%. We will use whatever you supply.

Pressing the Fabrics:  Please press all the fabrics of the quilt top and backing.  Press the quilt top so that all the seams lay as flat as possible and press the backing fabric so that there are no deep creases (especially in batik fabrics.)  Backing seams should be ½” and pressed open. When pressing the borders, it is good to press the border’s seams open when possible. Before loading we press out creases due to hanging/folding/shipping at no charge.    

Trim Threads:  Cut loose threads on the pieced top, they can catch on the hopping foot of the longarm.  Cut loose threads on the back of the top as well as threads can get lodged between your quilt sandwich and show through backing and/or the top.

Batting:  There are many kinds of batting available.  If you are doing a quilt with very dark fabrics you might want to consider black batting. Please use quality batting, craft batting will not hold up as well. 

●          If your quilt backing or top is directional, please mark it clearly or mention it during the intake process. Let us know any specifics about your top and back.  

●          Any quilting issues such as puckering, weak seams/holes, wavy borders, pleats etc. will NOT go away with the quilting, they may be exaggerated.  We will do our very best to work with the issues to minimize them in the end product. 

●          In most instances, we can say we have been able to determine difficulties that may be encountered during the longarming process before the first stitch is applied. In those cases, you will be contacted so we can determine how you want to handle the situation. On occasion the problems may be encountered during the process. Again, we will contact you to work out what would be the best outcome for your quilt.

 It is our goal, when finished, to compliment your quilt. We will do everything possible to attain that goal. The first step is working with you during the intake process to meet the needs and desires you envisioned.

Same Journey...Diffferent Day

 

All aboard! Ladies and gentlemen…we have encountered a slight delay in blog departure. Before we get this blog train steaming down the tracks a few things need to be highlighted and commented on and about. 

One…I must take a moment to thank an individual, two really. One, Elaine, her support, guidance, encouragement, and foresight has made the last 60+ years of having her being a part of my life more than just purposeful. I am who I am because of her. She honestly is the better half. I still have some rough edges that need work…thankfully she hasn’t given up. 

The second individual is one of a very special group, quilters, that encompasses what keeps me moving, keeps me busy, keeps me motivated and keeps me living with a daily purpose. The move from Virginia to Pennsylvania meant leaving a cast of some terrific quilters that let me be a part of their quilting journey. Once settled and ready to longarm again was not quite as productive. I didn’t know any locals, not familiar with any guilds and thankful for having Quilts of Valor to keep me busy. The worry about generating another group of quilters to share the journey with was short lived. Dottie Thomas, often referred to as “The Machine” contacted me about longarming some of her work. Our first meeting involved six quilts that needed longarming. Since that first encounter, she was responsible, for the first two years, for 80% of the quilters I longarm for. Her introductions and referrals put Studio One, Thee Leatherneck Kilted Quilter and We Quilt on the Pennsylvania map. The number of quilters I get to share with has grown. The appreciation I have for Dottie reaching out and providing me with an opportunity to share my craft with others is a memory I will hold dear forever. 

Dottie, to you, and all of you that have allowed me to be a part of your quilting journey, one quilt or an endless number of quilts, from my body, soul, and whole heart…Thank you. Thank you all whether from PA, VA, MD, DE, NC, and to the many volunteers from the Quilts of Valor Foundation, coast to coast, who we have longarmed for, quilted with and been allowed to award QOV’s to the many who are or have stood watch over our freedoms and liberties. 

As you scroll down the blog you’ll come to “Source Links.” Links to us, links to organization(s) and links to vendors. Regarding the links to vendors…we have not, not now or not ever taken any gratuities. If we post a link to a vendor, it is because they have earned our business based on the quality of their product, meeting the claims they advertise, and their customer support. Being part of our daily lives and providing us with all three of the above mentioned…the least we can do is reference them here on our blog. We encourage you to give them an opportunity to be a part of your quilting journey as they have ours. This is true with any testimonials we make, recommendations we may provide in our entries, photos, or videos we post here or on wequilt.org including later additions to the Source Links.

 All Aboard!!! Oh yeah, Quilt till you wilt, we do.  

 

 

 

 

 

 We will be returning to the We Quilt Blog on April 1, 2024. Renewing our efforts to share with those that enjoy crafts, quilting and longarming as much as we do. We do appreciate those that will choose to follow and hope your visits are informative and entertaining. Thank you all, past, present and future visitors to our blog. 

Les and Elaine.