Hints for Better Machining Quilting

Neat quilting can be achieved if the quilt top and backing are straight to begin with. Always cut fabric on the straight grain to ensure a straight edge.

Do not baste or pin your quilt together.

Fullness and puckers pieced into the quilt top cannot necessarily be quilted out. I will only do my best, but quilt tops with these problems may still have the problems after quilting is completed.

Backing should be cut on straight grain and 3-4 inches larger than quilt top.

Quilting Styles and Categories

• Edge to Edge - This is a repeating pattern of your choice that starts at the top of the quilt and goes in rows to the bottom. We try to place the rows as closely as possible to get the best effect.

• Free-Hand Custom - Where all the quilting is done freehand using designs to suit and enhance the quilt - does not include stitch in the ditch.

• Custom Plus - When you need the quilting patterns to fit specific areas like the blocks and borders, this calls for customising the designs to enhance the quilt to it's fullest potential. This includes using stencils, paper patterns, stitch in the ditch and cross hatching.

• In the Ditch - This puts the stitching as closely as possible into the seams of the quilt blocks. It is the slowest type of stitching - especially when the blocks or pattern have diagonal seam lines.

• Circles - Are placed over blocks going from small to large at regular intercals. Very pleasing on many types of quilts.

• Baptist Fans - Are made of concentric arvs placed from the bottom to the top of the quilt in an even fashion. This is an old fashioned design that goes especially well over all types of quilts.

Preparing your Quilt for Machine Quilting

• This is a total of 6-8 inches larger overall than your top on both the length and width measurements.
• Please note that all four sides of both peices are squared, straight and fully assembled. This is referred to as "Machine Ready".
• When I lay your quilt top and backing out for mounting, they should appear like the illustration at right.
• Your chosen batt should be at least 3-4" larger than your top overall.
• For curved-edge quilts like Double Wedding Ring, the backing is still squared.
• Remove selvedges before joining.
• For pieced backs, make sure fabrics are square before joining.
• We cannot guarantee centre placement of quilts for double-sided quilts.