1. Before you even get to the
point of handing over your quilt top, whether for machine quilting, hand
quilting, or even to be tied, make sure you have constructed the best possible
quilt that you can. Seams need to be completely intact, stray threads clipped
from both front and back, blocks and borders lay straight and flat, corners
are square.
2. Meet with the quilter
face-to-face so you can start to develop a productive relationship. Expect to
meet at the quilter’s home or a location that is convenient to her. Write
down your questions and be prepared to answer some questions, too. Some of
this question-and-answer exchange can happen over the phone, especially if you
are trying to narrow down
your choices between quilters.
3. When it comes to backing
fabric, never skimp! The longarm frame and machine set- up require 3-4"
of extra backing on all 4 sides of the quilt top in order to get the job done.
If your backing needs a seam, do this in advance or expect to pay the quilter
to do it. Trim off selvedges and use a ½" seam allowance. Make sure the
creases are pressed out of the backing and uneven edges are trimmed off.
4. Batting will need to be
discussed with your quilter. Most longarm quilters purchase bulk batting which
they can sell to you, but they might be open to using another batting if you
prefer. With all the types of batting now available on the market, it is
impossible for the quilter to have it all on hand. If you supply the batting,
remember that it needs to be
larger than your quilt top and of good quality.
5. Thread is another variable
to consider and discuss with your quilter. Color and weight are two major
points, but also think about what you want on the back of the quilt and
whether you want the same color throughout.
6. Do some research by looking
at quilt shows, books and magazines to learn about quilting styles and
designs, and ask your quilter for examples of what she/he has done. If there
is something you really want on your quilt, talk about it now rather than
later. There are quilting specialists of one style or another, just as in any
profession, and you need to be aware of anything that might be a deal breaker
for you.
7. If you are working within a
budget or on a deadline, communicate that early on. Professional quilters have
a range of prices, and can usually accommodate any budget limits, within
reason. It is true that you get what you pay for, and a skilled machine
quilter has invested a lot of her time, money, and energy to get to the level
of workmanship that you want to complement your fine stitching. Make sure you
understand what you will be charged for, as most quilters do not charge one
flat fee, but will be
happy to discuss the itemized billing.
8. One often over-looked fact
is that the process of quilting causes the overall size of the quilt top to
shrink slightly. More dense quilting results in more shrinkage, but exact
final measurements are variable and unpredictable. This usually does not cause
any problems unless you are locked into needing a quilt of a very specific
size. My suggestion to deal with that dilemma is to incorporate an outside
border that is larger than the desired finished size and then trim to fit
after quilting.
