Jane Smith gave a very enlightening talk on how to prepare your quilts before taking them to the machine quilter. Carolyn Hazelton, our wonderful local machine quilter, has kindly let me post her tips and tricks to our blog so that those of you who missed the talk will be able to take advantage of the information.

1. Seams: Be sure all seams are completely sewn and that there is a minimum of 1/4”material on each side of the seam.
2. Thread: Thread tails need to be trimmed. If you use pale or white fabric either on the top or backing of your quilt, unclipped or loose threads may cause visual distraction in your finished product.
3. Pressing: Press seams so bulk is reduced. Press don’t iron A block or row may stretch out of shape if you use too much force (or steam) on seams. Seams that are not pressed often result in unsightly wrinkles.
4. Borders: As you apply any border make sure it measures the same as the center of the quilt. If it measures longer than the center, a wrinkle or pleat may be sewn in the border. If the border is shorter than the center, wrinkles may be sewn in the center. Extra fabric has to go somewhere!
5. Edges: If you do not add borders, backstitch all along the edges of the quilt.
   • If you contour corners baste muslin across corners to keep them square. Scalloped edges must be marked on quilt so the quilter can see where quilting must be. DO NOT cut scallops until after quilting.
6. Directional quilts: Pin a note to the top edge so it will be clear what you want. Mark both top and back if both are directional.
7. Labels: If you sew a label on the backing before it is quilted, be sure to tell the quilter. Remember the backing is bigger than the top so not all of it will be in the finished quilt. Place the label far enough from the edge that it will remain in the quilt.
8. Backing: Quilt backing must be a minimum of 4” longer and 4” wider than the top.
9. Batting: Must be a minimum of 4” larger than the top If you bring your own, take it from the package and unfold it so the creases will relax. Save the packaging and take it to the quilter. Batting has different quilting requirements