Answers to some of the questions you may have...
Quilt Top Preparation
Quilting Fee is calculated on total square inches of the quilt top.
Quilt Top Length x Quilt Top Width.
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The maximum size of fabric that can be loaded onto the quilting frame is 108" wide. Therefore, the largest quilt top I can work on is 100".
Your quilt top and back will be stretched and attached to the longarm frame and be under tension, so please ensure all your seams are secure.
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Samantha (my longarm) loves a square quilt. This applies to the top and backing. Both are attached to the frame at a right angle, so if the top is not square the quilt design will stitch out slightly off.
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Ensuring your borders have been attached correctly is critical, so that the quilt does not end up being wavy.
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Please trim all the loose threads, as any threads may be caught up in the quilting. If there are darker threads underneath, they may show through the quilt top. If there are an excessive number of threads, there will be an additional fee charged for my time to help ensure your quilt turns out beautiful.
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If your quilt top has a top and bottom -- please safety pin a note to the quilt top to identify the top.
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Please make sure to indicate if there are embellishments.
Quilt Batting Information
I will work with the batting you provide, so please provide quality quilting batting -- however, I do prefer Quilters Dream batting or similar quality.
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Your batting must be minimum of 4" bigger all the way around the quilt top. 6" is preferred. Batting and backing need to be the same size.
Quilt Backing Information
The quilt backing needs to be a minimum of 4" bigger all the way around the quilt. 6" is preferred.
For example, if the quilt top is 80" wide, then the backing should be 88"-92" wide. If the quilt top is 92" long, then the backing should be 100"-102" long.
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If your quilt backing has a direction, please safety pin a note indicating the top of the backing. Please ensure that backing is squared like the top, or at least the top and bottom edges are square to the selvage edge if there is one.
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Please iron your backing prior to submitting. If there are excessive wrinkles, there will be an additional charge for time taken to press the backing.
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I recommend 108" wide fabric for backings. This avoids having a seam in the backing. However, if that is not possible, then please use 1/2" seam and make them join horizontally across the width of your quilt. Please press open the seam. This helps the seam lay flat when it is rolled on the frame.
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Please do not baste your quilt. I attach the 3 layers of the quilt separately, and I will have to charge for time to unpick if you have basted it.
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I will not be trimming the batting or the backing after the quilt top is finished being quilted.
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If you plan to fold the backing over as your binding, please let me know during the consultation so I can ensure the designs do not run off the edges of the quilt.
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I do not offer binding services currently.
Quilt Thread Information
I use Innovatech 40 bottom -- Poly wrapped quilting thread.
I have several colors of thread on hand.
Quilting may be delayed if a new color has to be ordered and it's not available at the local quilt store.
I charge a flat fee for thread.
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I prefer to have the same color thread top and bottom -- or use bobbin thread on the bottom and color on the top. This choice will be discussed during the consultation.
Once quilting has begun, I cannot accept any thread-color changes.
Quilt Design Information
All quilting is performed on a Q'nique 19" Longarm.
I have QCT 5 Pro Automation, and I offer Free Motion Quilting.
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During the consultation, discussion of different options that would best suit your quilt top, with considerations of the final product, will take place.
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If you would like a special quilt design, there will be a fee associated with that choice. There are thousands of quilt designs on the internet, and new ones are made every day. If you need a specific one, below are some websites that have quality digital designs. Please do not purchase the design.
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Once quilting has started, I am not able to make changes to the quilt design.
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Digital Quilting Design Websites:
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Digital Designs for Computerized Quilting | Longarm Quilting Designs (mycreativestitches.net)
Digital Designs for Computerized Quilting | Intelligent Quilting, Inc.
Answers to questions about t-shirt quilt preparations
T-Shirt
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Please wash your items
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Please do not have cut any of your shirts.
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Please indicate on each shirt which design you do not want used – please attach a note.
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If you want an item used entirely – please attach a note.
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If you have a special request for a shirt i.e., to be in the center – please attach a note.
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If there are stains or holes in the shirts, I do not fix those. Depending on where the stain or hole is it may be cut off and not appear in the quilt, or the design may be off center in that block.
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Please sort the shirts into – must have, I like it, and its ok if its not in the quilt.
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How many shirts does one need for a t-shirt quilt?
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It all depends on the size of the shirt and the size of the design on the shirt.
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Some shirts have designs on both sides and you want both in the quilt.
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The number of shirts is approx. – depending on the design of the shirts.
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It is always better to provide more shirts than not enough.
The why - it takes a while to make a t-shirt quilt?
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Length of time to actually make a t-shirt quilt. – it all depends on the size and complexity, there is a lot of preparation that goes into the making of the quilt. Thus, for me it ranges from 10 – 40 plus hours. Below are the steps taken while creating a t-shirt quilt?
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All shirts need to be stabilized,
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shirts cut to block size then,
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the layout of the shirts is finalized.
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the blocks are sewn together.
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the backing cut
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The quilt sandwich is laid on the longarm
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the quilt is quilted
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the quilt is then squared up
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binding of the quilt
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The T-shirt quilt is now a completed product!!
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