How To Prepare Your Quilt Top

The quilt top must be...

• Ironed
• Clean and free of pet hair, smoke, pins and hanging threads.  Random threads will show through the quilt top.
• Stitched with a neutral thread color that will blend with the background fabric of your top.  It is suggested that you use a bit shorter of a stitch length.  Seams frequently pull loose during quilting.
  
• Squared up 
  
• Lying flat
• Secured, so the edges won't unravel (This can be done by stitching an eighth of an inch around the outer edge of the quilt.)
• Uniform in thickness.  ​​​If the quilt has thick seams, iron the seams open or use a mallot to flatten them.  A long arm hopping foot will not clear a thick seam, and thick seams can be felt through a finished quilt.  

The quilt backing must be...

• IRONED.  Please iron out any fold lines in the fabric.  Also, for best results and a quilt that will lie flat, iron seams open.
  
•  8" longer and wider than the quilt top, AT A MINIMUM. This allows for 4 extra inches on each side.
• Similar in color to the quilt top so that the thread chosen will look good on both sides (RECOMMENDED).
  

Note:

• Any materials used other than quilter's cotton must be discussed.  Examples include silk, minky or cuddle, fleece and/or use of heat and bond or other product for raw edge applique.  Additional preparation may be required for these materials.
• Any techniques used that result in quilting challenges must be discussed.  This includes flanges, prairie points and paper piecing.  If you intend to embellish your quilt (e.g., buttons, sequins, etc.), this should be done AFTER quilting.
• If any material is not COLORFAST, please advise.  Water mist and/or starch can be used in the quilting process.