Over the Top Quilting Studio Longarm Quilt Top Prep

What does it take to get your quilt top ready to go to over the top quilting studio?

Longarm quilting gives your quilt project a magnificent texture that is lovely and beautiful. Often the final additions that are necessary to complete and ensure your vision is brought to life. After all, you are the quilter who spent an enormous amount of time piecing this lovely quilt treasure. Your quilt top deserves to be properly prepared for quilting. At Deb’s over the top quilting studio we ensure that you get the best results. Listening to what our clients want and being able to put into practice is a top priority. Quilt Top Preparation is a crucial step in getting your quilt top ready for long arm quilting process.

Remember, before any stitching can take place, you need to do some Quilt top prep work. Deb’s over the top quilting studio recommends the following steps to get your quilt ready for longarm quilting.

Step 1. Inspect your quilt top – look to see that all the seams on the outer edges have been basted through (1/8 inch from the edge to edge) to ensure they do not pop open when loaded onto the longarm machine.  These basting stitches will not show because they will be covered when you bind your quilt.

Step 2. Clip all loose threads – you do not want threads showing through your quilt top because it has light colored fabrics. Make sure none of the fabric is fraying.

Step 3. Square up your quilt top ensuring it is even on all four sides.

Step 4. Press your quilt top back to ensure all the seams a flat and press in the correct direction.

Step 5. Press the front side of your quilt top.

Step 6. If mailing Fold quilt neatly and prepare to ship.

Long Arm Quilting Services Quilt Top Preparation or Quilt Top Prep

Quilting Fee is calculated based on the Total Square Inches of your Quilt Top. Calculation is Quilt Top Length x Quilt Top Width x 0.025 for standard density quilting on a non-intricate quilt pattern.

• The maximum size Quilt Top I can accept is 120″ x 120″

• Your Quilt Top must be square. Ensuring your Borders have been attached correctly is critical as extra fabric will cause “fullness” or “waves” that will interfere with the quilting and may cause “puckers” and/or “pleats”.

• Your edges MUST be straight to correctly load your Quilt Top correctly on the machine.

• Your Quilt top MUST be flat to achieve the best quilting. Starching and ironing well and nesting your seams, while piecing will help greatly. I am not responsible for any quilting issues that result from your quilt top not being square or having extra fullness.

• Seams on edges of the quilt should be secured by backstitching. Please check that all your seams are sewn properly with adqeuate 1/4 inch seaming to ensure that all fabrics pieces are secure within each block. Once it has been quilted these piecing mistakes cannot be corrected.

• Quick and minor repairs can be done in the shop but anything more complex will result in a charge of $25.00 per Hr.

• Please do not pre-baste your quilt. We will have to pull it apart to load the longarm machine.

• Quilt Tops should NOT have loose or trailing threads. Dark threads will show and create a shadow through light colored fabrics. I do my best to catch these however, once the top is quilted, they cannot be removed. I will charge an additional $15.00 fee if you have an excessive amount of threads that have be trimmed.

Quilt Tops should be ironed flat. I will lightly iron it before I begin quilting if your quilt is shipped to me. Hard wrinkles or creases will result in additional fees.

• If your Top has a direction (top/bottom) please use a safety pin to identify which end is the top.

• I am unable to center your Quilt Top on the Backing.

• Quilt Tops MUST be free of holes and MUST NOT have any embellishments that could cause damage to the Quilting Machine.

  • Buttons, laces, ribbons, trims, and applique edges must be secured.

Nesting seams is vital for precise piecing and a flat finish in quilting. Here are key tips:

1. Understand the Concept
   Nesting seams aligns adjoining seams so that their allowances interlock, creating neat intersections without bulk.

2. Use Accurate Cutting
   Cut fabric pieces accurately with a rotary cutter and ruler to avoid mismatches.

3. Iron Your Seams
   Press seams open or to one side as your pattern dictates. Alternating directions creates perfect nesting opportunities.

4. Pin Strategically
   Use plenty of pins inserted perpendicularly to the seam line to prevent fabric shifting and ensure accurate intersections.

5. Align Your Seams
   When placing fabrics right sides together, ensure nested seam allowances lock in place, adjusting as necessary.

6. Sew with Consistency
   Sew slowly over the nested intersection to maintain control and reduce puckering.

7. Press Carefully
   After sewing, press seam allowances away from the nested intersection to minimize bulk.

8. Practice
   If new to nesting seams, practice with scrap fabric for better alignment.

By implementing these tips from Deb’s over the top quilt studio, you can enhance precision and reduce bulk in your quilting projects. Happy quilting!

Tips for How to Press Your Quilt Top Flat

1. Gather Your Tools

   • Iron: Use a good quality iron with steam capabilities.

   • Ironing Board: Ensure it is large enough to comfortably hold your quilt top.

   • Pressing Cloth: A cotton or linen cloth can protect delicate fabrics.

   • Spray Starch or Mary Ellen's Best Press (optional): Helps to create a crisp finish.

2. Start with a Clean Iron
   Ensure that your iron's plate is clean to avoid transferring any residue onto your quilt top.

3. Organize Your Quilt Top
   Lay your quilt top flat on the ironing board, ensuring that any seams are not bunched up. Smooth out any wrinkles with your hands.

4. Press the Seams Open or to One Side

   • For pieced quilt tops, carefully press each seam allowance as per your pattern instructions.

   • If the instructions do not specify, generally, you should press seams open to reduce bulk or to one side for better alignment. Start by placing the iron directly on the seam for a few seconds to set it.

5. Use the Pressing Cloth
   If you are concerned about scorching or have delicate fabrics, place a pressing cloth over the area you are working on.

6. Work in Sections
   Press in sections, moving the quilt top around so that you can access all areas. Avoid dragging the iron as this can distort the fabric. Instead, lift and place the iron.

7. Spray for Additional Crispness
   Lightly mist the fabric with spray starch or Best Press before pressing to help create a glossy, finished appearance.

8. Final Press
   Once all seams are pressed, give the entire quilt top a final gentle press from the back, making sure to avoid any embellishments or delicate areas.

9. Check for Flatness
   Lay the quilt top on a large flat surface after pressing to ensure it is completely flat and free of wrinkles.

10. Prepare for Quilting
    Once you're satisfied with the flatness, your quilt top is now ready for the longarm quilting process.

By following these steps, you'll achieve a smooth and flat quilt top, setting the stage for beautiful quilting results.