QUILT TOP
Please make sure that your quilt top is pieced with care. If you had pieces that you needed to ease in to make them fit, they may not be able to be quilted without creating puckers in the quilt. Make sure that your sides are the same width and the same length.

Press the back of your quilt top. This would be a good time to check all your seams and make sure that they are not coming apart. All seams should be pressed flat. Do not press your seams open if you want your quilt to be "Stitched in the Ditch". Stitching in the ditch could pierce the threads in your seam and weaken the seam. (Stitching in the ditch would be considered custom work.)

Cut off all loose threads from the back of your quilt. If your quilt has light areas, the dark loose threads can really detract from the finished product.

Mark the TOP of your quilt (where it would lie on the bed) with a piece of paper marked "TOP". Attach the paper to the top of your quilt with a safety pin.

If you will be hand delivering your quilt to me, fold your quilt carefully and place on a plastic hanger along with your quilt backing. If shipping your quilt to me, fold your quilt carefully so as not to wrinkle.

QUILT BACKING
Your backing should be 100% cotton. Poly/cotton and 100% polyester will stretch differently and could cause tucks and puckering when quilting.

Remove all salvages from both seams and along the outside edge of your backing.

Cut your backing and batting at least 8" bigger (width & length) than your quilt top. Cut them as square as possible. If folded in half and laid on a flat surface, you should have 90 degree corners. It is helpful when you are piecing the backing, that all pieces are the same length and edges are square.

Press your backing. Fold carefully and place on a plastic hanger with your quilt top if you are hand delivering to me or if you are shipping place carefully with your quilt top so as not to wrinkle.

NOTE: The better job you do preparing your quilt top and backing, the better job I can do for you when quilting.

BATTING
If you are providing me with your own batting, I prefer using Warm & Natural or Hobbs Heirloom batting (or something similar). Please check with me first if you have some other type of batting in mind. If you want poly batting, I have a nice 6 oz batting that really makes the quilts soft and puffy. If you are going to use Mountain Mist batting make sure it says for machine quilting.

Phone and Email Contact Information
If you have any questions, you may contact me by calling 269-545-3562 or email me at info@aquiltnhand.com