Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Machine Quilting Tips

Is that quilt too big to wrestle through your home machine? We offer machine quilting services. Quilting stitches are done using the HandiQuilter Fusion longarm quilting machine. Our experienced team will take great care of your quilt in our non-smoking shop and treat it like it is the most important quilt in the world!

Whether you tackle that quilt at home, quilt it at a machine here at our shop or have Alta or Jan quilt it for you the following tips are essential for the prettiest quilt possible.

Tips for Better Quilting
  • Choose good quality 100% cotton fabric. Polyester blends can cause slipped or skipped stitches.
  • Choose a print cotton fabric for the backing that will blend with the top thread color. A different color thread for the bobbin will usually show on the top.
  • Backing fabric must be at least three inches larger on all sides (total 6” wider and 6” longer) than the pieced top. Queen size and larger, add a couple more extra inches, especially if using a polyester batting. If your pieced backing is larger than needed, do not trim it down and please be sure that the ends are straight.
  • Remove selvages from backing seams. Press backing seams closed and to one side. Clip all stray threads from pieced top and back. Stray threads will show through (shadow), especially on light backgrounds.
  • The batting needs to be at least two inches larger on all sides. Prepackaged batting does not need to be trimmed. We sell both prepackaged and by-the-yard batting. No mid- or high-loft battings please. Cheap batting may have thick and thin spots and can effect the end result of the quilting.
  • Ensure that all seams are fully sewn. An open seam could catch the foot of the machine.
  • Bring the quilt top and backing pressed and neatly folded on a hanger.
If you have any questions or want more advice, just give us a call. We're always eager to help!

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