Are my quilt top and backing ready for the longarm machine?
Preperation Steps:
IMPORTANT: Add 10 inches to quilt top to determine size of Quilt Backing Fabric
Quilt Top (size 60 x 72) Quilt Back (size 70 x 82)- Square (are my corners 90 degrees?)
- Clip Threads
- Press
- Designate the top edge with a safety pin
Quilt Top
Squaring your quilt top:
Take six measurements as follows:
Measure across the top edge from right side to left side (Fig. A)
Measure across the middle from right side to left side
Measure across the bottom edge from right side to left side.
These three measurements should be same, and almost always they are different. This is NORMAL!
Fabric is free flowing and shifts in the sewing process. We want our clients to see the joy in their treasures and not stress over unequal measurements. There are many videos and tutorials available through the web on accurate piecing and quilting. Education is powerful! Quilt making is a joyful and learning experience. Enjoy each and every quilt and let each one be a learning experience.
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| A B |
Measure the middle from the top edge to the bottom edge.
Measure the right side from the top edge to the bottom edge.
Remember, how you send us your quilt top is how your quilt will be quilted. Adjusting the top to equal measurements is always a good idea. This could involve adjusting a border, or borders to fit the quilt top and then easing in any fullness. Sometimes, adjusting seam allowances in the body of your quilt, helps to square the top. (Squaring a quilt top means that the four corners should be at 90 degree angles.) Click here to read tips on adding borders to your quilt top.
Clip
Clip all loose strings/threads from the quilt top and don't forget to clip threads from the reverse side. Dark thread hairs can show through the white/light fabric of your top.
Press
Press all seams to one side or press them open. Iron quilt top and backing fabric.
Which end is up
Place a safety pin in the top of the quilt to let us know which is the top if this is not obvious and do the same with the backing fabric.
Fold
The quilt top should be folded separately from the backing and batting.
Quilt Back:
The backing should measure ten inches more than your top. If your top measures 60 x 72 the backing fabric should measure 70 x 82. This 10 inches is needed to make sure your top will roll through the machine poles and be quilted to the top evenly. Eight inches is also acceptable.
If you piece your backing use at least a half inch seam.
ONE NOTE OF CAUTION WHEN PIECING THE QUILT BACK…
If a specific design or fabric is wanted on the back of the quilt the middle is the best for placement. Stay away from creating a symmetrical look. This can be problematic for the longarmer, as she may not be able to see the back while quilting, making it difficult to guarantee symmetry especially if the backing fabric stretches a bit. So, make fun backs with random placement of fabrics!
Remove the selvages if they are in the seam allowance. Make sure there is at least a half inch seam allowance left once you trim away the selvages.
Whew! Nice Work!
