Preparation Tips

• Please clip and remove strings (loose threads) from the back of your quilt top. Especially if the top is a light color and the strings are dark, as they will show through when quilted.
• Press all your seams flat and make sure there are no major creases in your top or holes in your seams.

• The batting and backing fabric need to be at least 6”-8” larger than the quilt top on all sides. The extra length & width is needed to ensure the long arm machine head does not bump into the side clamps that are stabilizing your quilt as it moves across the sewing table.
• When piecing your backing, a horizontal seam is always preferred to allow the quilting process to flow evenly. The piecing seam should be ½” (or wider) and pressed open. (Please cut salvage edge prior to sewing the seam together. Salvages can cause the backing to “pull” during the sewing process.) 
• If possible, avoid sewing several odd, shaped pieces of fabric together for your backing as this will make it exceedingly difficult to keep the backing square and straight. Straight edges are needed in order to attach the backing to the rollers.
• When choosing backing fabric, please be aware that I will be using the same color thread on the front and back.
• When providing your own batting, superior quality batting is best. Often some of the less expensive batting can have thinner layers that will not allow your quilt to look nice.

• If the quilt top and/or backing fabric is directional, please pin a note stating “Top” so I am aware. Some long arm quilting designs are directional too, so I do not want to complete your quilt with a sewing design going in the wrong direction.
• Do not pin or baste your layers together. I will take care of that when I load your quilt onto the long arm machine.
• Precision centering of a quilt top to a specific placement on the back is difficult. However, if requested, I will try to do the best of my ability.
• Upon completion, I will trim the quilt to the edges of the top and return the excess fabric to you (including batting if provided). Please let me know if you would like to trim it yourself.
• Any embellishments should be added by you after quilting.

Please don't worry! I absolutely enjoy working on each and every quilt as they are beautiful & unique. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me.

Thank you ~ Joellen