QUILT PREPARATION

To ensure the best quilting results, please follow these instructions:

1. Do not baste your quilt layers.

2. Clearly mark the head of quilt top and head of back, if your quilt top and back are directional.

3. The quilt backing and batting must be 3-4 inches larger than the quilt top on all four sides.

4. Remove all selvage edges.

5. Square off both the backing fabric and quilt top.

The edges of the quilt top should be straight and square with seams intact to the edge.

Measure the center of the quilt top vertically.

Then measure the outside edges vertically. These measurements should be the same.

Do the same measurements horizontally.

If there is more than a 1-1/2 inch difference, it is difficult to avoid tucks when quilting.

The most common reasons for measurement differences are stretched bias edges and

mitered corners that leave extra fabric on one or both sides of the miter.

6. Quilt top should have no embellishments (ie. buttons, charms, pins etc.), before quilting

an all-over pattern. You may add those after your top is quilted.

7. Check quilt top for seam breaks.

Old quilts and hand stitched quilts are prone to seam breaks.

These can cause tearing of the quilt top and sometimes the back.

8. Remove all loose threads from both front and back, that can cause snags and

uneven stitching. On lighter fabrics, loose threads on the back side of the top will show through.

9. Press top and backing with seams flat, and pressed open or to one side.

10.Two Sided Quilts or tops centered on the back require extra care.

While this can be done, it is rarely perfect.

Please talk to us if you are planning a two sided quilt.