Quantum Quilts: preparation for longarm quilting

 To ensure a smooth and successful quilting process, we need your help in preparing your quilt or project. Your attention to detail will make all the difference! Here's a simple checklist to follow:

1. Separate pieces, please: Send your quilt top, batting (if providing), and backing as individual pieces. Do not pin or baste them together.
2. Clean slate: Make sure your quilt top is clean and free of dirt, dust, and debris.
3. Pet hair patrol: If you have furry friends at home, kindly use a lint roller to remove loose hair. We love pets, but our machine isn't a fan of hair!
4. Protect it. If shipping your quilt to us, place it in a plastic bag to ensure it stays clean during transit (an inexpensive garbage bag works great!)

By following these easy steps, you'll be helping us deliver the best possible results for your treasured quilt.  

Scroll to the bottom of the page for a printable copy.

 These tips will help set us up for the best outcome:

1. Press for perfection: Ensure your quilt top is neatly pressed, with flat seams.
2. Secure seams: Double-check that all seams are tightly secured, and loose threads are trimmed.
3. Mark the top: If your quilt has a directional design or you have a preferred top edge, kindly mark the center top edge with a safety pin. This ensures we get it just right!
4. Smooth borders: Make sure your borders are smooth and even, with minimal fullness. Aim for straight edges to prevent creases, folds, waves, or wrinkles during quilting.

 At Quantum Quilts, we're committed to delivering exceptional results! Before we begin quilting, our experts carefully inspect each quilt to ensure the best possible outcome. If we notice any areas of fullness or puckers in the borders, we'll promptly contact you to discuss the options. Together, we can decide whether to proceed with the original design or make adjustments to achieve a smoother finish (additional fees may apply). In some cases, a generous amount of starch and steam can reduce fullness. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we appreciate your trust in our expertise. 

 Here are some expert tips to follow:

1. Seam allowances matter: For long backing seams, use a 1/2" seam allowance. If sewing selvage edges together, trim them before sewing or use a 1" seam allowance and trim after sewing.
2. Straight and square edges: Trim the top and bottom edges of your backing to ensure they're straight and square. This guarantees a smooth load on our quilting frame.
3. Finishing touches: Trim loose threads, press your seams, and ensure they're flat.
4. Centering: Please note that while we'll do our best to center your backing, we can't guarantee perfect centering. If you have a backing with a center block, please keep this in mind.
5. Mark your preference: If you have a preferred top edge, kindly mark it with a safety pin.
6. Sizing matters: Ensure your backing is 10" wider and longer than your quilt top. This allows for 5" on all sides. If providing batting, please ensure it is 8" wider and longer than your quilt top (4" larger on all sides).

 At Quantum Quilts, we're dedicated to providing a safe and healthy environment for everyone. As someone who's severely allergic to smoke and lavender, I want to ensure that every quilt that enters our studio is free from these allergens. To help us achieve this goal, we kindly ask that smokers take a few extra steps to prepare their quilt tops and backing:

1. Run them through a gentle dryer cycle on "air only" or the lowest heat setting.
2. Add a Bounce dryer sheet (Bounce brand is preferred. Please choose a regular scent, scent-free or non-lavender option).

We appreciate your consideration and cooperation! For batting, we recommend purchasing from us to ensure it meets our smoke-free and lavender-free standards. Thank you for helping us maintain a healthy and safe workspace!