What size backing fabric should I send?
For an E2E quilt, your backing must be at least 8″ larger than the quilt top. In other words, if the quilt top is 50″x 60″, then you should send a backing that is approximately 58″x 68″.
For custom quilt, your backing must be 6-8″ larger than the quilt top PER SIDE. In other words, if the quilt top is 50″x 60″, then you should send a backing that is minimum of approximately 62″x 72″. This is to accommodate a ruler base.
All excess will be returned to you.
How should I prepare the backing fabric?
Your backing may be pieced or it may be one single piece of fabric. Above all, all edges must be trimmed equally and it must be square. The edges of the backing must be on-grain (ie., no bias edges). When a backing is overly pieced, it can be difficult doing precise fine-quilting, so please limit how detailed the piecing is on the back. Please remove selvages from with pieced seams, as they can pull when the quilt is washed. It is preferred, however, to leave selvages on the outer edges of the backing.
Is there anything I should know before sending my quilt top?
Your quilt must lay flat AND square in order for the quilting not to pucker. A quilt top with excess “puffyness”, will not always quilt flat. Please back-stitch any seams that come to the edges of the quilt as well. The edge of you quilt should not contain any bias-cut piecings. If it does, or if it is a pieced border (ie., many squares), then please stay stitch the quilt perimeter to keep the border seams from pulling open when the quilt is gently stretched on the frame. Clip or remove all threads from the top of the quilt top.
How is a thread selected?
I have many threads to choose from ranging from cottons to polyesters, solids to variagated. If I do not have a particular color thread, it can be obtained. I will choose a thread that will complement your quilt, not allow the quilting to overpower it, while also coordinating with your selected backing. Your suggestions are always welcome too.
I like a particular pantograph pattern? Can you quilt it?
Yes, so long as the pattern is commercially available, I can obtain whatever pantograph pattern you like. Please first take a look at the patterns that I routinely use.
May I send my own batting?
Yes, as long as it is good quality. High loft polyesters and poor quality battings should be avoided.