Tip on how to keep your quilt 'square':
Adding inner and/or final borders
The best success for achieving a ‘squared top’ is to measure the quilt top in three areas before adding borders. I typically add my side borders first.
Measure the length of the quilt on both sides of the quilt top and again down the middle. Determine the average measurement and cut the borders to this number. Fold the length of the quilt in half to find the center and do the same for the border strips. Pin borders to quilt top sides matching centers. Next pin the top and bottom of the border strips to the quilt and continue pinning the border to the quilt top easing in or slightly pulling the border to fit. Sew each side border using this method and press. Repeat for the top and bottom borders.
This will help eliminate fullness, wavy or puckered borders.
Measure the length of the quilt on both sides of the quilt top and again down the middle. Determine the average measurement and cut the borders to this number. Fold the length of the quilt in half to find the center and do the same for the border strips. Pin borders to quilt top sides matching centers. Next pin the top and bottom of the border strips to the quilt and continue pinning the border to the quilt top easing in or slightly pulling the border to fit. Sew each side border using this method and press. Repeat for the top and bottom borders.
This will help eliminate fullness, wavy or puckered borders.
How to Prepare a Quilt for Longarm Quilting
2. If your quilt top has a final border which is pieced with seams exposed to the outer edge, please stitch around the entire quilt top (or through each seam) close to the outer edge (less than 1/4”). When your binding is stitched on, you will not see this running stitch. The running stitch secures your pieced border and protects the seams from popping when it is loaded onto the longarm machine.
If your border is one solid piece of fabric, there is no need to do this step.
3. Cut your batting so it is 3” larger than your quilt top on all sides.
4. Cut your backing so it is 4"-5" larger (but no wider than 6" please) on all sides of your quilt top.
I like to see each layer as I quilt. If you need to piece your backing fabric, the seam should be approximately 5/8” wide and pressed open. If sewn on the salvage edge, the salvage should be removed.
I like to see each layer as I quilt. If you need to piece your backing fabric, the seam should be approximately 5/8” wide and pressed open. If sewn on the salvage edge, the salvage should be removed.
5. Press the quilt top and backing. I repress your quilt before loading onto my Innova longarm.
6. Do not pin, baste or sandwich your quilt. It will be loaded onto separate rollers.
7. Clip threads. You don’t want dark threads showing behind a white sashing or quilt block.
8. If needed, indicate the top of the quilt and backing with a safety pinned note.
9. If piecing your backing, please email me ahead of time for tips on how to achieve a successful look.
Please allow from the time the quilt has been dropped off, roughly 2 months for completion.
Thank you,
Karen
Chezstitches@gmail.com
Chezstitches.blogspot.com
