Jean Gilbert Quilting

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR QUILT FOR MACHINE QUILTING

1) Do not baste your quilt.

2) Your quilt backing should be a minimum of 4 inches wider and 4 inches longer than your quilt top.

When the quilt is positioned on the quilting machine the back will be positioned so there are 2 inches on either side of the quilt top and 4 inches at the bottom of the quilt top. It is especially important to note the positioning of the backing on the quilting machine if you wish to center a design on the backing. See example at right. (Same measurements apply to batting if you wish to supply your own)

3) If backing is pieced, each section should be parallel with next section. See example at right.

4) Measure the center of the quilt top vertically. Then measure the outside edges vertically.

If there is more than a 1-1/2 inch difference, it is possible that your top will have tucks when quilted. Do the same measurements horizontally. The most common reasons for measurement differences are stretched bias edges and mitered corners that leave extra fabric on one or both sides of the miter.

5) Too much easement when piecing blocks can result in small tents or puckers, which will cause tucks when the quilt is quilted.

6) There should never be loose edges, (i.e., bow-tie with loose knot), unless you plan to have the quilt custom quilted.

Also quilt top should be free of embellishments, such as buttons, charms, pins, etc.

7) Check your quilt top for seam breaks!

Seam breaks will catch the hopping foot and cause tearing of the quilt top and sometimes even the back (Old quilts and hand stitched quilts are particularly prone to seam breaks).

8) The quilt top and backing should be clipped of loose threads, both front and back.

Loose threads on the front side can become entangled in the hopping foot causing snags and uneven stitching.

Loose threads on the back side will sometimes show through on lighter fabrics.

9) Top and backing should be pressed.

NOTE: Seams can be pressed open or to one side.

DEFINITIONS:

Pantograph or pantogram - An overall design that repeats across the entire quilt.

Custom Quilting - A design that is based on the piecing of your quilt top, which may include motifs, stippling, in the ditch or other modes of specialty design.

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