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I'm done with my Quilt Top - Now what do I do?

3/25/2024

I'm done with my Quilt Top - Now what do I do?

There are obviously several options:
     1 - Tie with yarn or floss
     2 - Hand Quilt
     3 - Quilt yourself on a Domestic Machine
     4 - Take to a Longarm Quilter
     5 - Fold, shove onto a shelf, close door and start a new project

 

I’m not going to make any judgement on whatever route you decide to take, but I would like to address the topic of using the services of a Longarm Quilter.

 

In the last couple of weeks I have encountered some common issues that crop up when I am presented with a top, a back, and a hopeful client.

First: What is longarm quilting?


Longarm quilting uses a large frame and roller bar to load a quilt top, batting, and backing all at once. The longarm frame holds the quilt sandwich in place while the longarm quilting machine moves over the quilt, quilting as it goes. The longer quilting process can be manual (controlled by the quilter) or it can be automated (computerized with a digital design).


Because of the design of the frame, a longarmed quilt doesn’t need any basting or pinning that is required when a quilt is stitched on a domestic machine. It also needs extra size on the backing to allow for the quilting process. The saddest thing I dealt with was a beginner quilt that a cute gal had made as a Christmas gift for her mother and had basted it together and trimmed the top, batting, and back all the SAME SIZE. I had to explain to her why she would lose some of the blocks due to the way the back shrinks up during quilting.

 

Why send your quilt to a longarm quilter?


- Pros:


Longarm quilting can allow you to choose a fun and detailed quilting design that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to do on a small, domestic sewing machine.

Sending your quilt to a longarm for quilting is a great alternative for those that don’t enjoy the quilting step and just want to get on to another project.

 

Unlike a domestic sewing machine, with a limited throat space, a longarm quilting frame can accommodate an extra large quilt easily.

 

You don’t have to worry about batting or basting.
 

If you decide to use and find a longarm quilter you trust, there are a few things that need to be considered to make things easier for the nice lady who is going to help complete your masterpiece.

Preparing Your Quilt Top and Backing for Best Longarm Results


    1 - Measure Quilt Top
    2 - Mark Which Side is the Top of your Top
    3 - Press Seams on the Top
    4 - Cut Threads From Back of the Top

    5 - Check the Right Side as Well
    6 - Stay Stitch Around the Edges of the Top

 

Once the quilt top is made, look to see if there are seams around the outer edges. If so, baste through these seams about 1⁄8” from the edge to ensure they don’t pop open when loaded onto the longarm. If there are multiple seams, you may have to baste around the entire quilt. But if you only have a few, don’t worry about covering the entire perimeter — just baste through each one. (PS: The binding will eventually cover up these basting stitches, so don’t worry about them showing.)

 

    6 - Square up Backing - Sew Seams, Piece if Desired, Trim Threads
    7 - Measure the Backing adding 6-8 inches bigger than top
    8 - Mark the top of the quilt
    9 - DO NOT BASTE OR PIN!!
 

Most of these things seem pretty obvious, but you wouldn’t believe some of the issues I encounter. The worst for me is untrimmed threads because if they are very long they can wrap themselves around the hopping foot and trap the fabric. I have even had slight tears when that happened, just because the owner didn’t bother to trim. I usually add a trimming fee if it’s too
extensive.


The other MUST DO is PRESS YOUR SEAMS! I hate to have a top that hasn’t been properly pressed. They just never lay as flat if they haven’t been pressed as the project is being assembled. And I hate to have to charge someone to press a top that could have been done in progress.

 

After your quilt is done at the long-armer all you have to do is trim
and bind as desired. We’ll get into that later.

 

— Queen Bee

Today’s Tip - Learning longarm quilting yourself

Long-arm quilting can be both rewarding and challenging. Here are some tips to help you get started and improve your long-arm quilting skills:

  1. Practice Proper Setup and Maintenance: Ensuring your long-arm quilting machine is set up correctly and well-maintained is crucial for achieving good results. A properly maintained machine will help prevent issues such as tension problems or stitching irregularities, allowing you to focus on perfecting your quilting skills.

  2. Start with Simple Designs: Beginning with simpler designs allows you to build a strong foundation of quilting techniques. Mastering basic designs like stippling or loops will help you gain confidence and control over your machine before tackling more complex patterns.

  3. Experiment with Thread and Needle Selection: The choice of thread and needle can significantly impact the outcome of your quilting. Experimenting with different thread weights, colors, and needle types will help you achieve the desired look and texture for your quilts. Finding the right combination for your machine and fabric is essential for successful long-arm quilting.

  4. Practice Free-motion Quilting: Free-motion quilting allows you to move the quilt sandwich freely under the machine's needle, giving you more control and creativity. Practice controlling your speed and movements to create smooth and even stitches. It may take time to develop this skill, so be patient and persistent.

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