Quilt Preparation Best Practices:

There are NO QUILT POLICE and SEW DONE accepts quilts from all quilters and all skill levels!  😊  The following are some best practice recommendations for quilt making, that will help me in the long arming of your project.  No matter your skill level or your project, we will create a plan for a beautifully finished project.     

  • Seams should be strong, free from holes, loose seams, and hanging threads.  Complete a 1/8” “victory lap” from the edge of your quilt to secure all outside seams.  

  • Press quilt top seams in one direction.  Quilt top and backing should be wrinkle free and lay flat. Do not distort quilt with aggressive pressing.  Excessive fullness cannot be quilted in. 

  • No embellishments – buttons, beads, charms, etc., must be removed before loading onto the frame.  They will cause machine damage and affect tension.

  • Piece and “square” the backing keeping grain lines consistent.  Remove selvages prior to piecing to prevent puckering.  Press backing seams open and back stitch at beginning and ending of backing seams. We cannot see the backing once it is on the machine so cannot guarantee the position of any design features. If piecing the back, it works best if additions and seams are in the middle.

  • Backing to be 8 “wider and 12” longer than the quilt top.  Example: quilt top that is 80x90 must have backing that is 88x102.  Batting to be 4” wider than and taller than the quilt top on all sides.  

  • Extremely wavy borders do not mount or quilt properly.  To check your quilt top, lay it on the floor and measure it vertically and horizontally in the middle and the sides.  Tucks may be required if the quilt top is not “squared” properly.  Corners should be 90 degrees.  

  • Be sure to mark the quilt top and backing with a safety pin if it is directional fabric.  

  • Do not baste or pin layers together.  The layers are mounted to the frame individually.

  • For quilts with high colour contrast, press seams toward the dark side so seam allowance does not show through lighter fabrics.  Snip dark threads to prevent showing through light fabrics. 

  • Fold quilt top right side out to minimize fraying and bring on a hanger or neatly folded.  Same for backing on a separate hanger or neatly folded. 

  • I cannot accept any quilt tops with pet hair or smoke odour as I am allergic to both.