Step by Step: Quilting Service Orders

Give us a call and we can complete an order form with you over the phone, or call to arrange a time to stop in.   We can coordinate with you to choose a pattern and design you would like and get your quilt next in question.    If you have questions it is better to ask than to guess!  

Some suggestions to help prepare your quilt for us:

• Measure final dimensions of your quilt top, quilt back and batting.  If you're washing your backing please do so prior to measuring total dimensions.  Pre-packaged batting isn't always the size it says on the package, it can vary to 2"+, so it is a good idea to measure and ensure you have enough.   You'll need these measurements for your order.    

• Backing and Batting need to be 6-8" longer and wider than the quilt top measurements.  If you are unable to make this happen, just know that the machine will bump the edges of the side tension bars and may cause slight irregularity in the pattern along the edges.  Depending on your pattern/design, this may or may not be noticeable.

• Have a design in mind, or we are happy to help you select a pattern or come up with ideas that will complement your quilt design. 

• If you would like us to bind your quilt, the binding needs to be at least 2.5" wide or it will be returned.   *Note that store purchased bias tape does not work for binding.   See our tips for calculating amount of fabric needed for binding at the end of this page. 

• Mark the top orientation of all pieces with a note, or safety pin if you're mailing your quilt to us.

• Next, see our "Terms and Acknowledgment tab. This form must be included in your quilt order when you drop the quilt off.  We can email you one or you can print the page itself and bring it in or mail it with your quilt.   
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Pre-order Checklist and things to consider...

- Backing and Batting should be as even and straight as possible.  If you pre-wash your quilt back fabric, re-measure the back to verify that the size is still the needed size.  Flannel especially can shrink to a size that is too small for the quilt top.   

- Be aware if you used large pieces of different types of fabric to piece your quilt, it will stretch differently on the quilt frame and may bunch up in places.  Example:  Batik, cotton and linen stretch differently.  If you haven't purchased backing yet, this is something to take this into consideration.  

- If you are using store-bought sheets for backing, you will need to have the hem removed on all sides.  Note that sheets are very tight woven and will have an occasional skipped stitch.  

- Pet hair and Strong pet odors should be removed prior to drop off.  Gently hand wash if pet odor is strong.  

- Cut off the salvage edges if you are piecing the back.  Salvage edges have a tighter weave and can feed unevenly on the quilting frame.  Finished results are better with these removed.

- Tame stray threads that occur during piecing by using a pinking rotary blade.   Starch may also help. 

- Quilt Back borders, pieced blocks, as well as some plaids and strips are gladly accepted; however, these  cannot always be perfectly lined up with the quilt top.  We will do our best!

- Note that some tighter weave fabric ie: batiks and sheets may have an occasional skipped stitch that can't be helped!

- When we quilt edge-to-edge designs, we do quilt off the edge to be sure that all quilt top fabric is included.   If you finish your quilt with FOLDOVER binding (bring the backing to the front to form the binding)...Please let us know and we will Not quilt off the edge if you use this style of binding so that your binding area is clean.

- If a return date is needed prior to the current turnaround time, you will need to discuss that with us at time of ordering.  Typically Rush is a 7-10 day turnaround and a return date will be determined at drop off, there is  20% charge for rush orders. 

- Spray starch or sizing gives incredible results!  It helps control fabric while cutting, sewing and pressing.  If the quilt top has wavy borders, uneven blocks or cuts are on the bias, starch or sizing prior to cutting and sewing can help with these issues.

- If packaged batting is significantly larger than the quilt top, it will be trimmed at the time of quilting and all pieces will be returned with the quilt. 

- To cut/piece binding strips please use the following formula to make sure you have enough fabric: (This formula is not for bias binding but straight WOF cuts)  Width + Length x 2.  Then add 12" (to allow for mitered edges and closing the quilt) Divide that number by 40" (or width of usable fabric) and that gives you the number of binding strips needed. If it is over a whole number (ex; 7.05) round UP.   Multiply the number of strips by 2.5" to come up with total yardage needed.   Example:  L: 90" + W: 90" x 2 =270",  +12" = 282" total inches needed;  280 divided by 40 = 7.05  (so round up to 8 or it comes up short);   8 x 2.5" (width of binding) = minimum of 20" in yardage.