1. Press your quilt top well. Please make sure that all seams are pressed flat on the back and facing the desired direction. (This is very important if the quilt requires stitch in the ditch for stabilization.) Ditch stitching is not possible for seams that are pressed OPEN, as there is no "ditch."
      

  2. Trim all trailing threads; they become unsightly "Varicose Veins"!
      

  3. Indicate the Top (as opposed to the bottom) with a piece of paper marked "Top" pinned with a safety pin.
      

  4. Please do not baste the layers together.
       

  5. Choose ONLY 100% cotton for your backing.
    Please note: I cannot accept sheets, as polyester fabrics cause poor tension & constant thread breakage. They also can "pill" & encourage "bearding" of the batting fibers to the surface of the quilt.
      

  6.  Remove all selvages from seams along the edges. Use a 1/2" seam when piecing, & press them OPEN.
      

  7. Backing need to be at LEAST 6" larger than the Top on all sides, and be SQUARE (90degree corners). If you piece the backing, PLEASE make sure all pieces are the same length. You may provide your own batting, however, please do NOT supply Mountain Mist or other thin battings, as they are un-bonded & too delicate for handling on the Long-Arm Machine, I reserve the right to refuse these batts, for your satisfaction. If you do choose to supply your own batting, it needs to be 6" larger than the top.
       

"Borders"

Please attach your borders properly. Make your quilt fit the borders, instead of your borders fit the quilt. Measure for borders through the center of your quilt and both top and bottom - if not the same, average the three measurements and cut your borders to this measurement Mark both the border strip & the quilt edge in eighths. Match the marks & ease the quilt into the borders.
Remember: The better job you do on preparation, the better job I can do for you.

You can purchase seamless backing (120 inches) from me in both bleached and natural muslin. Patterned backing is available by request. I also carry Hobbs 80/20, bleached and natural, Quilters Dream in both cotton and poly in various lofts and for your dark quilts, Quilters Dream poly in Black. Wool batting is available thru special order.  Please call (734-529-5228) or email so we can discuss what will work the best for you.