Preparing Your Quilt

Every longarm quilter has slightly different prep requirements. Whether you choose me or not (but… hopefully me 😉), these tips will help make your quilting process smoother, faster, and possibly save you a little money too.

Longarm quilting is a bit different from your home machine—there are a few extra things to keep in mind. The good news? You’ll never have to baste again. 🎉

Click below for a helpful tutorials on adding borders correctly.

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Feeling overwhelmed?

Totally normal—I promise it gets easier! I’m always happy to answer questions, so don’t hesitate to reach out.

Quilt Prep Checklist

• Press your quilt top and backing well
Wrinkles and creases can cause issues. (And yes, I can press it for you… but there will be a charge 😉)

• Trim your quilt top to its final size
I don’t trim tops before quilting, but I do trim your quilt after quilting unless you tell me not to.

• Clip those loose threads
Especially dark ones—they will show through lighter fabrics if left behind.

• No border? Stay stitch it!
If your quilt doesn’t have an outer border, sew a line less than ¼” around the edge to keep seams from pulling apart. It’ll be hidden in the binding.

• Backing size matters (a lot!)
Your backing must be at least 5” bigger on all sides (10” total width and length). If it’s too small, I can’t load it—no exceptions.

• Mark the top
If your quilt is directional, mark the top of both the quilt and backing with a pin and note.

• Square quilts = happy quilting
If your quilt isn’t square, it can’t be loaded properly. I can’t guarantee against puckers or tucks if things are wonky.

• Shipping? Protect your quilt!
Place everything in a plastic bag before boxing it up. I recommend USPS Flat Rate or UPS Ground.

Batting

I prefer to use the batting I carry to ensure the best stitch quality

(I’m picky—in a good way).

If you provide your own:
• Must be wrinkle-free
• Must be 5” larger on all sides
• $10 fee if trimming is needed

Available batting includes:
Quilter’s Dream Cotton (Select & Deluxe), 80/20, 70/30, Bamboo, and Wool (Queen & King sizes available)

Backing

Let’s say it again for the people in the back: Backing must be 5” larger on all sides. 😄

• Remove selvages
• Seams should run horizontally ← →
• Please limit to 2 seams (same direction)

More than 2 seams = $20 surcharge (and a little extra patience from both of us). Heavily pieced backs can cause pleats or tucks—and I can’t see the back while quilting!

Wide backing fabric (like minky 👀) is always a great option.

Trimming

I'm happy to trim your quilt after quilting. I trim right at the quilt edge
I suggest you bind right away. If not, I would advise to leave it untrimmed

The Fine Print (But Friendly)

I’m human, not a robot—so I can’t promise absolute perfection. But I can promise I’ll give your quilt the absolute best care and craftsmanship possible. My reputation depends on it.

Good prep = the best results. If your quilt is square and your borders lay flat, we’re already winning.

I’ll communicate with you along the way if anything comes up—no surprises here.

If you enter your quilt in a show, I’d truly appreciate credit as your longarm quilter (Doodle Stitches / Kim Tocci). I’ll include a business card with your quilt.

What to Expect

• A brand new needle for every quilt
• Careful, professional quilting from start to finish
• Typical turnaround: 2–4 weeks

Busy seasons (aka life happens):
April–May (graduations) and October–December (holiday crunch) may run a little longer.