• Your quilt TOP should be trimmed to its finished size, nicely pressed, making sure ALL seams are pressed as flat as possible, going to one side, or opened (whichever method you have been using). If you've used a piano key type border or something similar with no backstitching on the edges, you should run a row of basting stitches around the edges of the top 1/8" in from the outer edge, (no more!) being very careful not to pull and stretch as you sew. This is so the seams wont pull apart. This also applies to the backing fabric if it has been pieced.

• The backing also needs to be pressed. Check to make sure it measures 10" longer and 10" wider than quilt top. For example: Top measures: 45" x 60". Your backing needs to be 55" x 70". WHY? Its all about precision. We will need to shave the top and bottom edge of the backing to square it up, then center your top to the backing. Extra fabric is needed for clamping outward, to assure there will not be any wrinkles quilted into the backing. This also allows us room to run the pattern off onto the edges, if necessary, to assure all areas are properly quilted. (See Diagram).

• Loose threads on the quilt top and backing should be clipped. These can cause snags and uneven stitching. On lighter fabrics, loose threads on the backside of the quilt top will show through.

• Remove ALL do-dads, buttons and/or other embellishments. Make a written note of their location so you can put them back where they belong.

• The SELVEDGE is a lovely straight line. BUT it needs to be cut off and discarded before making your backing fabric. The selvedge will shrink differently when laundered causing later puckering at the seam line. You dont want that! I suggest a shortcut: With selvedges still attached, sew your seams 1/2 to 3/4" wide. Then go back and trim off selvedge to 1/4 or 1/2", and toss this cat toy to your cat!

• Please DO NOT baste, knot, or sew quilt top to fabric backing.

• Identify the "top" of the quilt top and the "top" of the quilt backing with a single safety pin if there is a specific directional layout.

• Check the quilt top for seam breaks or seams that didnt quite match up and might pull apart. Old quilts are prone to seam breaks. These can cause tearing of the quilt.

• Sheets are not recommended for back fabric. If you plan to use them, remove all hems, wash and press, and measure them against your quilt tops. Sheets often run short or narrow compared to quilt tops. Most sheets have a contrasting thread count to the quilt top fabric.

• Finally, Measure the center of the quilt top vertically and horizontally. Next measure the outside edges vertically and horizontally. If there is more than a 1-1/2 inch difference, it is possible that the quilt will have tucks when quilted. Too much easement, when piecing blocks or adding borders, can result in small tents or puckers during the long-arm quilting process.

• Your quilt top must be completed and ready for quilting BEFORE it can be loaded onto my machine. Any additional work will cause a delay in the schedule.

Please contact Andrea Johnson for an appointment before bringing in a quilt top. (909) 790-4696