Making your quilt ready for longarm quilting is more than just a formality. It is to give your quilter the best conditions to do their work with little trouble. Whether you are a professional or doing the quilting yourself, the right preparation of your quilt top and backing will go a long way in helping the entire procedure to proceed more smoothly, inexpensive, and quickly.
A complete step-by-step method ensures to prepare for your quilt.
Start with a Thorough Press
Before doing anything else, press your quilt top and backing well. This flattens seam allowances and removes any creases, making for a smooth surface.
● Use a dry iron, not steam, because that can cause it to stretch.
● Give special attention to borders and blocks where many seams intersect.
● Pressing should be done from the front side to keep the top as flat as possible.
A nicely pressed top makes the longarm machine glide well and ensures the quilted piece will not pucker.
Stay Stitch Around the Edges
Once your quilt top is pressed, put the stay stitching along the outer edges: a straight stitch about ⅛" from the edge.
● This way, the seams cannot pop open while working.
● It also helps maintain the quilt's shape while loading.
● Particularly useful if your quilt carries piecework on the edges such as flying geese, otherwise if you have a plain border this might not be necessary.
Though this is among the smaller details in quilting, as it will protect your hard work during the quilting.
Make Sure the Quilt Is Square
Check once, it is square and flat. Uneven edges or wavy borders can make quilting processes difficult and may predispose to distortion.
● All corners should be true 90-degree angles.
● Sides should be straight, with no ripples.
● Use a large ruler or mat grid to verify alignment.
If trimming is needed, do so conservatively. A square quilt is better and quilts more evenly.
Trim Threads and Remove Pet Hair
Loose threads may show through light fabrics or become tangled in the quilt design. Before beginning packing:
● Trim excess threads from both front and back.
● Use a lint roller or tape to remove pet hair or lint and all fuzz.
● Inspect the seams with dark thread against light fabrics.
This step will guarantee that such issues do not spoil the appearance of the quilting finishing.
Label with Your Name and Details
Attach a name tag for your quilt top or project bag. It sounds minor, but it is quite important for communication and to keep things organized.
● Use a paper tag pinned on or masking tape on an edge.
● Write your full name along with any comments or preferences for the quilter.
Clear identification prevents mix-ups and keeps both parties clear about the project.
What Not to Include with Your Quilt
Certain materials can damage quilting machines or interfere with the quilting process. Be sure not to include:
● Pins or safety pins – they can break needles or hurt the quilter.
● Buttons, beads, or other embellishments – these should be added after quilting.
● Fusible or adhesive batting – sticky residue can gum up the machine.
Keeping your quilt free of these elements ensures smooth and safe handling.
Ready, Set, Quilt
An excellent preparation saves time, avoids pitfalls, and honors the art. Whether in collaboration with a local quilter or when sending a quilt project to the other end of the country.
Fabrics by the Creek proudly supports the quilter in each state. From fine cotton fabrics down to batting and thread, to expert advice, we will ensure a smooth quilting journey.
Have a quilt ready for longarm quilting? Stop by Fabrics by the Creek for some guidance. You’ll be glad you did!