Why use a Longarm Quilter?

You have cut, you have sewn, you have pressed, and sewn some more. Now you get to those three terrifying words in the instructions...“Quilt as desired”...What the heck?

There are plenty of options when it comes to finishing a quilt:

Grandma & Aunt Mable used to tie their quilts. That is a traditional and functional way to keep the layers together, but not really the look you have in mind for this project. 

The ladies at the guild quilt by hand. It is lovely work and relaxing, but it takes time. And you just found the perfect pattern for that batik jelly roll you got for Christmas.

Several of your friends quilt on their regular sewing machine. This can be fun and rewarding. The results can be spectacular. Just look at the work of Diane Gaudynski or Cindy Needham; it takes your breath away. But your current project is a queen size and you’re just not sure about the rolling and folding involved...And that jelly roll is calling.

Other friends suggest you consider a longarm quilter. You drop off the top and backing and pick up a quilt ready to bind, or even completely finished. 

But wait! You say…Then it won’t be MY quilt. 

If you feel that it won’t be your quilt, remember, you have already had help on this project. Kaffe Fassett or Tula Pink helped by designing the amazing fabric. Hoffman, Moda, or Cherrywood Designs created that perfect collection of colors. Sam Hunter or Judy Neimeyer designed  the pattern. 

But YOU chose the fabrics, YOU made sure all the points match and YOU have control over how your quilt is quilted.

As a longarm quilter, my job is to help you create the quilt you want. We will work together to complete your vision. I will advise and suggest designs and patterns, but in the end,

It will ALWAYS be YOUR quilt.

• Press the entire top- being sure not to stretch the edges. Your top should be flat and square.
• Trim any stray threads from from the back of the top. Sometimes they will show through and create what I call "varicose veins" especially with a white background fabric.
• Backing and batting should be 8 to 12 inches wider and longer than the top.
• If your backing is pieced, press all seams open. It is easier to sew a wider seam and remove selvages after sewing.
• You can leave the selvages on the outside edges of your backing.
• Place a safety pin in the upper edge of the top and backing if either of them are directional.

I love Quilters Dream batting and keep their medium loft cotton, polyester (regular and recycled),  and wool batting on hand. Any of their other battings can be special ordered.

You are welcome to supply your own batting. However, very thin uneven battings and fluffy un-bonded battings can tear during quilting. They can also migrate and bunch when the quilt is washed. You have put a lot of time and effort into your quilt. Using a quality batting gives much more satisfactory results.