Because I offer longarm quilting services in addition to making t-shirt quilts, I thought I would share some information about preparing for you longarm quilter.

Most importantly, your quilt backing should be 8″ to 10″ longer and wider than your quilt top and should be squared off so that there are no uneven edges. Use only cotton fabric (no sheets) for your backing. Choose your backing fabric with the front thread color in mind since the same thread color will be used for the front and back of your quilt.

If you are piecing your backing, please do not create a border on the back of the quilt. Add any extra fabric in the center of the backing, not on or near the edges.

Press your quilt top and backing and mark the top of your quilt and backing with a safety pin if it is directional. Be sure that you cut loose threads so they won’t show through on the top of your quilt.

I have Hobbs 80/20 Heirloom batting available, but if you provide your own batting, it also needs to be 8″ to 10″ wider and longer than your quilt top.

Do not baste your quilt sandwich together as each piece is loaded on the quilting machine separately.

And finally, save any embellishments until after the quilting is completed.