So, you’ve decided to send your quilt to a longarm quilter! Cue the celebration! This is such an exciting step because it means your quilt is about to get the professional finish it deserves. But before you lovingly pack up your masterpiece and send it off, a little prep work will ensure that your quilt turns out exactly as you imagined.
Think of it like getting ready for a big event. Would you show up in wrinkled clothes with tangled hair? Probably not. Your quilt deserves the same level of care! A well-prepared quilt makes for a smoother quilting process, happier quilters (you and your longarm artist), and a final result that shines.
Let’s walk through the simple but important steps to get your quilt top, backing, and batting longarm ready!
Press, Press, Press!
Think of this as the finishing touch before sending your quilt on its journey. Take a few extra minutes to press your quilt top and backing fabric to remove wrinkles and help it lay flat. This step makes a huge difference in ensuring smooth quilting and preventing any unexpected tucks or puckers.
Sparkle of Encouragement: A well-pressed quilt is like a smooth runway for stitches. Give your quilt a good press, and it’ll lead to a wonderful result when it’s loaded on the longarm machine.
Snip Those Sneaky Threads
Loose threads are like tiny mischief-makers, they can get caught in the quilting or even show through lighter fabrics. Flip your quilt over and do a quick thread check, trimming any stray threads on both sides. It’s a small step, but it makes a big difference in the final look!
Sparkle of Encouragement: Little threads are easy to miss! Put on your favorite music and grab your glasses if needed. A few quick snips now will keep your quilt looking polished and picture-perfect.
Square Up Your Quilt
Before sending your quilt to a longarm quilter, make sure it’s squared up and has even edges. If it’s a little wonky (hey, we’ve all been there!), trim it so that the top and sides are as straight as possible. Uneven edges can cause tension issues on the longarm machine, and nobody wants that.
Sparkle of Encouragement: A well-squared quilt is like a strong foundation for a house. It keeps everything in place and ensures a smooth, even finish!
Leave Extra Backing Fabric
Your backing fabric should extend at least 4 inches beyond the quilt top on all sides. This extra fabric is necessary to attach your quilt to the longarm machine properly. If the backing is too small, it can cause all sorts of headaches for your quilter, so double-check those measurements before sending it in.
Sparkle of Encouragement: More fabric on the backing means a better final result. A little extra now goes a long way!
Skip the Basting—Yes, Really!
One of the best parts of longarm quilting? You don’t have to baste your layers together! Your quilter will take care of that part, so keep your quilt top, batting, and backing as separate pieces. If you’ve been basting quilts at home, consider this your official permission to skip that step this time!
Sparkle of Encouragement: Less work for you means more time to start dreaming up your next quilt. You’re officially off basting duty!
Choose Your Batting Wisely
The type of batting you choose will affect the weight, warmth, and texture of your finished quilt. If you’re unsure which batting to use, ask your longarm quilter for recommendations. Here’s a quick guide to popular choices:
- Cotton batting – Soft, natural feel with a slightly flatter look. Great for traditional and modern quilts alike.
- Polyester batting – Adds extra loft and durability, plus it won’t shrink. Perfect for fluffy, cozy quilts.
- Wool batting – Lightweight but warm, with a luxurious drape. Ideal for heirloom-quality quilts.
Sparkle of Encouragement: Batting is like the secret ingredient in a recipe. It might not be the star of the show, but it makes all the difference in the final feel of your quilt! Choose the one that makes your heart (and your quilt) happiest.
Talk to Your Longarm Quilter
Communication is everything! If you have a vision for your quilt whether it’s a specific design, thread color, or quilting density—make sure to share it with your longarm quilter. Send inspiration photos, discuss quilting styles, and ask any questions you have before sending it in.
A good quilter wants to bring your vision to life, so don’t be shy about sharing your ideas! I have a library of quilting designs you can choose from (like the Rockstar Round pattern here) so if you don’t know exactly what you want, we can figure it out together!
Sparkle of Encouragement: Your quilter wants your quilt to be as perfect as you do! The more details you share, the more magical the results will be.
Label Your Quilt for Extra Care
If you’re mailing your quilt, attach a label with your name and contact information to each piece (quilt top, batting, and backing). This simple step ensures nothing gets mixed up along the way. You can use painter’s tape, a pinned note, or even a fabric-safe marker on the edges.
Sparkle of Encouragement: Things rarely go wrong but taking a moment to add a tiny label now means no problems later! Think of it as a name tag for your quilt’s special adventure.
Give it a Final Inspection
Take a moment to scan your quilt for any loose seams or weak spots that might need reinforcement before quilting. A quick fix now can prevent bigger issues later. Think of it as a last-minute quality check before your quilt gets its big moment on the longarm machine.
Sparkle of Encouragement: A little stitch here and there keeps your quilt strong and sturdy for years to come. Small fixes now = a quilt that lasts forever!
Relax and Trust the Process
Once your quilt is prepared and sent off, take a deep breath and relax! Your longarm quilter will work their magic, and soon enough, your quilt will come back looking even more beautiful than before. You’ve done the hard part with all the piecing, pressing, trimming, and prepping. Now, let the professionals handle the rest!
Sparkle of Encouragement: You’ve poured love and effort into your quilt, and now it’s time for the grand finale. Enjoy this moment, because soon you’ll be cuddling up with a finished quilt that’s truly a work of art.
Preparing your quilt for longarm services doesn’t have to be stressful. With these simple steps, you’re setting yourself (and your quilt!) up for success. If you’re still feeling unsure or have questions about the process, I’m always here to help! Go give your quilt a final loving press, snip those last stray threads, and get ready to send it off for its big moment!
Ready to get started? Check out my Longarm Quilting Services to learn more about how we can work together to create something beautiful.
