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Quilt
Preparation Checklist Quilt top Trim and secure all loose threads from the back of your quilt top, as they could show through on the lighter areas of your top. Make sure seam allowances are pressed properly. For best results, stay-stitch 1/4 inch around the edge of your quilt top, if you have pieced borders. This helps keep the borders from stretching while being quilted. Backing fabric Cut your backing (& batting if you are providing your own) at least 3-4 inches larger on all sides than your top. All excess material will be returned to you. This excess is necessary to load your quilt onto the quilting machine and keep it square. Use of sheets is discouraged; poly/cotton & 100% polyesters stretch differently than cotton & can cause tucks/puckering during the quilting process . Polyester fabrics can also "pill" & encourage "bearding". If applicable, mark the top with a safety pin. Applying Straight Borders 101 One of the most common “problems” I run into is a wavy or ill fitting border which can result in tucks and puckers during the quilting process. When adding plain borders to a quilt it is so easy (and many of us were taught) to cut a long strip, sew it on, and then cut off the excess length of the strip. Although this may save you some time measuring, cutting and pinning, your end result may end up less than desirable. To apply a border correctly, it NEEDS TO BE CUT TO SIZE. First, lay your quilt out on a flat surface where you can get an accurate measurement. (I like using the 120” tape measures made for us quilters) Here’s the most important part…You need to measure from the top to the bottom on either side AND down the center, making note of each of these 3 measurements. In a perfect world these measurements should be the same, however during the piecing process it is not uncommon for your fabric to have distorted slightly while pressing or if your seam allowances have not been just perfect your measurements might be off slightly. Take an average of your 3measurements and cut your 1st side borders to that size. Note: If there is a noticeable difference in size from one side of the quilt to the other, you might need to square up your top by other means, such as possibly increasing or decreasing some seam allowances. Next step is to pin the border to quilt top. Fold the border in half to find center, and mark, then in half again to find quarters and mark again. Do the same with the quilt top. Pin border to quilt top matching these marks. Now, sew your borders to the quilt-slightly easing or slightly stretching fabric if needed. Press seams toward border. Repeat this process for you top and bottom borders, your measurement will now include the side borders that you have just applied. Repeat the entire process for any additional borders. Taking the extra time to apply your borders properly will result in a nice, flat, square quilt and is well worth the time.
Contact: sundaylakers@msn.com
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