Quilting Curls

When making a quilt:

FABRIC:  Be sure and purchase quality products for construction.  Quality does count.  You may feel that the prices at quilt shops are beyond what you want to spend in this economy, but in the long run your project is a real work of love and you want it to last and be treasures for many years to come. 

BATTING:  Again quality matters.  Look at the package.  It will recommend how close the quilting needs to be to hold it in place in your quilt.  100% Polyester batting is inconsistant in it's thickness at times, and has to be quilted usually between 2-4 inches.  If you want detail quilting done, your batting needs to allow up to 8-10 inches of stitching.  There are quality cotton and polyester blend battings on the market.  Look for these.

CONSTRUCTION:  Most quilt patterns call for 1/4 inch seams.  Don't rush your project.  Quilting is an art and should be fun.  Take your time and make those seams as accurate as you can.

PRESSING:  Press your quilt, don't iron.  We're not starching a collar.  Pressing as you progress will keep your quilt laying flat and will help you catch any problems early so that you can correct them.  If you don't do this you may have extra charges from your long arm quilter because she had to make repairs.

WHEN TAKING IT TO THE QUILTER:  If you are supplying the batting and backing, it needs to measure at least 3-4 inches larger than the top on all four sides, in order to load it on the machine.  This is essential for larger quilts.