Preparing your quilt for a long arm machine
- Keep the components separate. The three layers of a quilt (top, batting, and backing) are loaded on the long arm separately. Do not sew, baste or pin the layers together.
The Top:
- Most quilt tops are rectangular. Best results are achieved if the top is squared up. Measure the diagonals. They should be the same.
- Make sure all seams are secure. Open seams can get caught and ruin your top.
- Clip and remove all loose threads. Stray threads may show through your finished project.
- Press all seams flat.
- If your top has a specific direction, please mark the top edge. A label pinned to the top will work.
- If your top has embroidery or appliqué, do you want the quilting to go over it?
- If your border is pieced, we recommend you do a row of stitching 1/8" from the outer edge around the entire quilt to help stabilize the seams and keep them from coming apart.
The Batting:
- Bring your own or buy from us. We stock a variety of battings. Our batting is not pre washed if that matters to you. Our most popular batting is 80/20 cotton/polyester blend, but the choice is yours.
- The batting MUST be at least 8 inches longer and 8 inches wider than your top.
The Backing:
- The backing also MUST be at least 8 inches longer and 8 inches wider than your top.
- If the backing is pieced we recommend half inch seams, pressed open.
- Clip and remove all loose threads.
- The backing is the first layer loaded on the machine and HAS to be squared.
- For your convenience we have a small selection of 108 inch wide backing fabrics on hand.