Preparing your Quilt
Here are some suggestions in
preparing your project for quilting.
These can keep the extra costs down as well as help
ensure a finished project that you will be pleased
with and proud to show off.
You may choose for Granny Fay's Closet (or one of it's referrals when needed) to do any preparation such as pressing, squaring, mending seams or trimming threads for an hourly charge. Any quilt accepted that has not been properly prepared will be prepared and the fee associated will be added to the total cost.
Please note - we are not responsible for old fabrics in old quilt tops. As the quilt tops are gently stretched, some seams or fabrics may give way. Please check and double check old quilt tops for weak fabric and or seams or we can address this when you bring them in.
PREPARE YOUR QUILT TOP OR PROJECT
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No buttons, charms, pins, etc. on the quilt top.
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Trim excess seams or points that can cause undesirable lumps.
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Eliminate loose threads that can show through the quilt top or backing.
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Press Seams Flat.
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Place a safety pin at the head end of the quilt backing and the pieced quilt top. Some quilting designs are one way and I need to know what you consider to be the top.
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Backing and Batting need to be at least 6 - 8 inches wider AND longer than the quilt top so it can be put into the quilting machine.
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Stitch around the outer edge seams of the quilt top. Your quilt top will be gently pulled during the machine quilting so it lays flat. This stitching will keep the seams from coming unstitched. Stitch just less than 1/4" from the outer edge so it won't show when the binding is finished.
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Each layer (quilt top, batting, backing) is laid into the quilting machine separately. Please do NOT baste layers together.
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Backing must be squared up and selvages removed from any seams that will be quilted over. Squared backing will have both sides the same length, with 90 degree corners. Selvages, especially in a backing seam, can cause undesirable pulling and lead to puckering or uneven seams.
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No bed sheets for backing please. Many wonderful fabrics come in wide widths and can be used for backing. Preferably use the same type of fabric the quilt top is made out of.
QUILT
BACKING
• Print or Solid? To showcase stitching
on the back, you could choose a solid fabric and
then, in effect, your quilt is “reversible”.
Another common preference is to use a print which
hides stitching and any “tie-off knots”.
• 100% cotton is generally preferred, or at least a
fabric which has the same fiber content as the top
so all fabrics will wear evenly. Some quilter’s
prefer other types of backing fabrics.
Use of stretchy fabrics may increase the chances of
tucks or puckering during quilting as well as
additional prep work to provide stability in the
fabric.
• Remove all selvages
• if piecing the backing, use ½ inch seam
allowances, for stability.
• Cut your backing at least 6 - 8" wider and
longer than your quilt top. (4” larger on each side.
Example – 60” x 80” quilt top needs a back and
batting that is 68” x 88.”) This is a miminum
This allows the project to fit appropriately in the
quilting machine..
• IF you preshrink your fabric, measure size after
it has been pressed.
• Square backing.
• Double check, after squaring, that the backing is indeed large enough by laying
it side
by side with the top.
• Press backing. (To be sure no pleats or tucks are
pressed in at seams, press from the right side*.)
• Mark the “TOP” of the backing on the right side*
so any seam(s) on the back or directional backing
will be oriented the way you wish in relation to the
“TOP” of the quilt.
• Fold backing carefully to minimize
wrinkling.
* The viewable surface when quilt is completed is
the right or outside of the back.
BATTING
We offer quality batting by Hobbs at a competitive price. You, however, are welcome to provide
your own batting as long as it is specifically
labeled as “suitable for machine quilting.” Please
check with us first if you have some other type of
batting in mind.
•We stock Hobbs 80/20 cotton blend batting in widths of 96", 110"
and 120".
• We can purchase other batting as needed such as
wool batting or other brands if you have a specific
preference. There may be an additional cost
for special orders for batting or a time delay
in receiving special orders.
IF you have any other questions or concerns, please
feel free to call and we'll be happy to help you.
Last Updated: September 10, 2011