Measuring twice is really worth it! Please make sure that your quilt backing and batting will be large enough to pin onto the machine (see above instructions). This is especially important when your top and backing is directional. We always want to make sure that you can get your quilt back quickly and exactly as you imagined it (or better!), having to call you to let you know that we can’t pin it on the machine can lead to delays and the possible selection of a new backing fabric.

Be sure to measure your quilt top from top to bottom at the middle and then again along the edge on both sides, you should have the same measurement. If they are not the same and are a large difference in measurement there will be fullness in the fabric that may lead to pleating and puckering of your quilt top when quilted on the longarm machine.

Clean up those threads! When having a light or white fabric next to a dark fabric that is frayed, any loose threads underneath your quilt top may be visible. We do our absolute best to remove any dark threads that we see, but this can be a very time consuming process. We appreciate it when you bring in a quilt that is already as free of dark, loose threads as possible. Then we can go behind and find any stragglers, and, as they say, two eyes are better than one!

Put it together! Please put together your backing fabric if it is in pieces. We can do this for you if necessary, but it does help us get your quilt back to you faster. When putting your backing fabric together it is important to measure twice, especially if your quilt is directional, and that the seam is parallel to the bars. The Selvage edge should also be parallel. Please call is you have any questions about the ideal way for us to pin on your quilt (other ways are at an increased risk of pleating and puckering).

Please remove any embellishments such as buttons, beads, and patches which will damage our machines.