Quilt Preparation Tips
How to Prepare Your Quilt for Longarm Quilting
To ensure the best possible results on the longarm machine and prevent delays, use this checklist to get your quilt ready for a smooth, successful quilting experience.
The quilt top should lay flat and be reasonably square. Slight variations are okay.
Square the quilt top:
1. Quilt Top
Press your quilt top thoroughly:
Press seams flat (or to one side consistently). Remove all wrinkles and creases.
Trim loose threads:
Clip all stray threads on the front and back of the quilt top to avoid showing through after quilting.
Check seams and blocks:
Make sure seams are secure. Repair any open seams or weak stitching.
Mark the top edge:
Clearly label the center of the top edge on the quilt top using painter’s tape or a safety pin with a note.
Stay Stitch (Optional):
Sew around the perimeter 1/8” from the edge to secure bias edges and prevent seams from opening.
2. Backing Fabric
Backing should extend at least 4 inches on all sides of the quilt top (8 inches total in both width and length).
Size:
Seams:
Use a ½-inch seam allowance with selvages removed. Press seams flat, run horizontally for even tension.
Mark top edge:
Clearly label the center of the top edge on the quilt top using painter’s tape or a safety pin with a note.
Press smooth:
Backing must be pressed smooth with no wrinkles or folds.
3. Batting Guidelines
Same as backing (at least 4 inches larger than the quilt top on all sides).
Size:
Quality:
Should be clean, smooth, free of folds, odors, or pet hair.
Approved batting types:
100% cotton, cotton/poly blends, wool. Confirm specialty battings in advance.
One piece only:
Do not piece batting.
Do not baste the quilt layers together
Do not spray baste or use fusible products
Do not leave safety pins, straight pins, or clips in the quilt
Do not fold tightly - roll or loosely fold instead
4. What Not To Do
5. Final Checklist
✔️ Quilt top pressed, trimmed, and squared
✔️ Backing pressed and sized correctly
✔️ Batting cut to size (if supplying)
✔️ Loose threads removed
Questions?
If you’re unsure whether your quilt is ready, please reach out before your appointment. We’re happy to help you prepare your quilt for beautiful longarm results!