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Lyon Den
Quilting Tips
PLEASE
READ
BEFORE SCHEDULING
YOUR QUILT Quilt Top: Check for any seams that are not properly caught in the 1/4 inch seam allowance. These could come apart when the top is on the rollers. If borders are pieced on the outside edges, staystitch 1/4 inch along edge to keep them from pulling open when quilt is loaded on the machine. Have seams well pressed (spray sizing helps but do not iron the fabric out of shape) and clip threads that would cause "varicose veins" under light fabric areas. If there are rippled borders on your quilt I will use utmost care as I quilt, with your understanding that pleats or puckers may be impossible to avoid. If there are puckers within the body of the quilt, I cannot help quilting over them and they may show a crease. Backing: Select with quilting thread color in mind. Wash in the same way top fabrics were washed. Multiple pieced backs need to be stay-stitched 1/4 inch from edge. Please have backing squared with seams pressed flat and selvages removed. Square up by rotary cutting instead of tearing as today's manufacturing methods tend to pull fabric off grain and it will not tear straight. The backing needs to be at least 6" wider and 8" longer than the top, "AFTER" shrinkage and squaring. For example, a 60" X 60" top needs a 66" X 68" backing. If you are using traditional poly batt (PolyDown, CloudLite, etc.) allow 6" width and 10" length. Allow an additional 10" extra in length if backing is being torn off bolt or if I am squaring up for you. The backing needs to be at least 6" wider and 8" longer than the top, "AFTER" shrinkage and squaring. For example, a 60" X 60" top needs a 66" X 68" backing. If you are using traditional poly batt (PolyDown, CloudLite, etc.) allow 6" width and 10" length. Allow an additional 10" extra in length if backing is being torn off bolt or if I am squaring up for you. Batting: Batting choices will greatly affect the appearance of your quilt. Cotton batting gives a smoother flatter look and polyester batting has more texture or "poof". Select a quality batt that can be quilted 2" - 3" or more apart. If you do not want the old puckered quilt look after washing, pre-shrink your cotton batt or use one that is pre-shrunk. The batt needs to be at least 6" wider and 8" longer than the top. If you use poly, allow at least 10" in length and choose a bonded batting. Unbonded traditional poly batts are too delicate for handling on the Longarm machine. For darker fabrics (black, dark blue, etc.) a black or a "non-bearding" batting is suggested so the batting doesn't migrate through. 100% cotton will not migrate through your fabric, but traditional polyester batting will eventually show. Parts of this document are printed with the permission of Quilt Solutions Inc. |
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This page
contains tips and techniques from
The following page is printed with
the permission
Attaching Plain Borders When adding plain
borders to a quilt it is so easy to cut a long strip, sew it on, and
then cut off the excess length of the strip. This may save you
some time measuring, cutting and pinning. After you get the
border on, you may have a wavy or ill fitting border. A border
that is not fitted properly will cause tucks when the quilt is
sandwiched and quilted. I am all for shortcuts and fast ways to
piece quilts, but not when I have to sacrifice the look of the frame
on my quilt! Taking the extra time to apply the border
properly will result in a nice, flat, square quilt. |
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