Helpful Hints in Preparing Your Quilt
Quilt Top:
Do not pin baste your quilt
Make sure that your quilt is square
Press well, check for loose seams.
Trim loose threads on your quilt, they can show under light fabrics and can get caught on the machine.
Stay-stitch your quilt if it is pieced to the edges
Borders should be flat. If not, this may cause tucks, pleats or fullness.
In order to have flat borders, take care when attaching all borders. Before adding borders, measure through the center of the quilt two or three times and take the average. Cut two borders to that length, marking the center of each border as well as the center of the quilt edge it is to be attached to. Then pin the border to the center and edges corners of the quilt and ease in the border to the quilt. Do the same to the remaining borders. PLEASE DO NOT SEW BORDER AND TRIM EXCESS OF THE END, THIS CAN ADD UP TO FIVE INCHES TO YOUR BORDER AND WILL RESULT IN TUCKS, PLEATS AND FULLNESS.
Backing:
Allow extra 4-6 inches on ALL sides of quilt.
Trim salvage from seams and press open. Backing seams should be at least one-half inch.
Press well.
Square your backing by folding and checking that all edges line up.
Batting:
Allow 4-6 inches larger than the quilt top on all sides.
Helpful Hints:
100% cotton is recommended for you backing.
Trimming the salvage off your fabrics as they are a different color and texture.
