Quilt Preparations
Quilt preparations are very important. Your quilt top should be even on all sides. All selvedges removed, all seams secured, and all edges straight and even.
IMPORTANT: PLEASE measure the center of the quilt top vertically. Then measure the outside edges vertically. If there is more than a 1-½ inch difference, it is possible that your quilt will have tucks or puckers when quilted. Do the same measurement horizontally. The most common reason for measurement differences is stretched bias edges or improper border attachments that leave too much fabric on one or both sides of the border. Also, too much easement, when piecing blocks, can result in small tents or puckers which will cause tucks when quilted.
The quilt top should be free of embellishments, such as, buttons, charms, pins and loose threads. Loose threads, both front and back, can cause snags, uneven stitching or be stitched into the quilt. On lighter fabrics, loose threads on the back of the quilt top will show through.
Check quilt top for seam breaks. Old quilts and hand stitched quilts are prone to seam breaks. These can cause tearing of the quilt top and sometimes the back which can cause snags and uneven stitching. On lighter fabrics, loose threads on the backside of the top will show through. Top and backing should be pressed.
It is not recommended that you use a sheet for your backing fabric. Because of the high thread count in sheets, the quilting stitches tend to sit on top of the fabric rather than sink into the fabric and there will be a problem with skipped stitches. If you must use a sheet, take the sheet out of the package, remove all hems, wash and press and measure against your quilt top. Sheets often run short or narrow compared to quilt tops.
Tips:
If you want the quilting to be more prominent, choose a solid color fabric or a contrasting thread color. If you prefer the quilting to not be prominent choose a busy print fabric and a matching thread color. Choose a good quality batting such as Warm and Natural 100% cotton or Hobbs Heirloom 80/20 for best results.
Furnished backings and battings must be 4-6 inches longer and wider than the quilt top.
Shipping Information
Shipping - Carefully fold and package the quilt top and any other customer supplied items into two plastic bags one within the other with an address label affixed to the outer bag. Place the bag in a sturdy container, use strapping tape or shipping tape to reinforce all corners and seams. Insure the contents, if you wish, and send by the carrier of your choice. IMPORTANT: We are not responsible for uninsured packaging.
Special Note: If the contents of the package need identification for insurance purposes, indicate the contents as bedding. For safety reasons do not indicate on the shipping label that the contents is a quilt. It seems that a quilt is more desirable than bedding.
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