Quilting Information

Quilting Information

All quilting prices include basic thread colors (white, cream, gray or black). Specialty threads can be provided by the customer or Linda at an additional cost. Customers may furnish their own batt and backing or purchase the needed supplies from LMQ. Linda carries 92" 100% natural cotton batt - by Quilter's Dream Cotton Request. You are welcome to supply your own batting if you prefer another type or brand. Any batting and backing furnished by the customer should be at least 6" wider and 6" longer than the quilt top.

Do NOT baste quilt layers together, as
these layers are loaded separately on the Longarm quilting machine!

You will need to complete these steps before your quilt reaches LMQ:
1. Prepare and press your quilt top.
2. Measure and prepare the backing.
3. Decide on batting (purchase it or arrange for me to supply it).
4. Complete the checklist.
5. Contact LMQ to discuss details reguarding you quilt, and for shipping & delivery information as well as your start date .
6. Mail or delivery your quilt with the checklist and any other custom instructions included.

Preparing you quilt:
1. Do not baste your quilt.
2. Identify the head of quilt top and head of back, if necessary.
3. The quilt backing and batting should be a minimum of 6 inches wider and 6 inches longer than quilt top.
4. Measure the center of the quilt top vertically. Then measure the outside edges vertically. If there is more than a 1-1/2 inch difference, it is possible that your top will have tucks when quilted. Do the same measurements horizontally. The most common reasons for measurement differences are stretched bias edges and mitered corners that leave extra fabric on one or both sides of the miter. Too much easement when piecing blocks can result in small tents or puckers, which will cause tucks when the quilt is quilted. See our info on borders for more information.
5. The quilt top should be free of embellishments, such as buttons, charms, pins, etc. Embellishments must be done after the quilt is quilted.
6. Check the quilt top for seam breaks. Old quilts and hand stitched quilts are prone to seam breaks. These can cause tearing of the quilt top.
7. The quilt top and backing should be clipped of loose threads, both front and back, that can cause snags and uneven stitching. On lighter fabrics, loose threads on the back side of the top can show through.
8. Top and backing should be pressed with seams pressed open or to one side.
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Borders:
It is very important that you take care when applying borders to your quilt. If they are not applied properly, you can expect to end up with wavy border or wrinkles and pleats in the border fabric when it is quilted.
We have included a lesson for you to use to get your borders done correctly.
When I receive your quilt, I will measure it and analyze any problems I might have quilting it. If your quilt has flared borders, I will contact you. You may decide to have me correct the borders at my $10.00 per hour rate. I will give you an estimate of the charge before I begin.
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Pressing:
Probably you pressed your quilt during construction but you should press it again when you are finished to make sure everything is flat. Your quilt will look marvelous if it lies flat and all the seams are pressed the same direction or toward the darkest fabric.
Many times piecing that has several corners that meet together or has lots of bias edges will tend to bunch up or poke up at the intersections. If you can't get it flat, I will need to press it again before I quilt it to prevent problems and wrinkles. There is a $10.00 fee for my pressing services.
Many times we can select an overall quilting design that is more "forgiving" if it is necessary to take in any fullness. A fat batting will also be more forgiving than a thin one to hide any extra thickness.
Let's work together to make your quilt beautiful!
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Backing:
The backing you use on your quilt is very important. Depending on the look you want, you will want to select either a busy print or a plain fabric.The plain backing may show the thread color used on the front and many times the quilt cannot be used on its own as a reverse quilt. The busy print shows only the quilting outline and it will reverse nicely. You may want to coordinate your backing with the front of the quilt to create an over-all effect.If the backing you want to use is not square, your quilt will not turn out right. In that case, I will need to square up the backing before I begin quilting at an additional charge.
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Batt:
The batting you select will have a great deal to do with the finished appearance of your quilt. The climate in which the quilt is used should be considered when selecting a batting for a quilt. Do your research before you decide or allow Quilted Quail to make the decision based upon the information you provide.
You may provide your choice of batting or purchase it from us. We have a good selection of batting for your use, to include cottons, blends, and polyesters, which will give the drape and feel that you want.
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Mailing:
If you live outside the Tucson/Willcox, Arizona area, you will want to contact us to ship your quilt.
You should mail your quilt to LMQ only when you are given a start date. We cannot be responsible for quilts that are shipped ahead of schedule and must wait to be quilted.
Your quilt will be shipped back to you through the U.S. Postal Service, priority mail, and insured for the estimated price of the fabric and batting. USPS will not insure for the value of the "quilt," including the LMQ quilting fee without a current appraisal, so it will be sent as "bedding." The cost of shipping will be included on the invoice you receive.
If you have a special shipping request, your quilt will be returned according to your wishes.
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