Getting Your Quilt Ready for Drop Off

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Your top should be pressed and loose threads clipped (or they may show through the top after quilting). Make sure to check the batting requirements before you proceed. You can hang your top on a hanger or place it in a CLEAR bag for quilt drop off. Avoid using black garbage bags, as bad things happen with them. Remember, see-through is always best, especially when considering quilt backing options.

Wide Backs are awesome! Did you know that pre-washing your quilt backing will give you better tension? The new wide backs have a lot of 'stuff' in them to help them last longer on the store shelves. This sizing material also makes the needle on the longarm want to 'pop' through the backing rather than slide through. While I don’t require you to wash your wide backs, you can if you want the best tension. Be sure to wash, iron, and hang your backing on a hanger or fold it neatly in that same CLEAR bag that your quilt top is in. Remember, your wide back should be 8" bigger in all dimensions than your quilt top (4" larger on each side and top and bottom). 

As for pieced backs, I require your backing to meet the batting requirements of being 8" larger than your quilt top (both on the top and sides). If you're unsure about the size, see my calculator for assistance. When piecing your backing fabric, it's a good practice to press your seams open or to one side. If you join your fabric on the salvage edge, please cut that salvage off, as it is very strong and will affect how your backing rolls on my leaders. Salvage edges work well on the top and bottom of your backing but can cause issues in the seams. They wash differently than the rest of your fabric and have less give, impacting how your quilt finishes. So, be sure to take those out of the seams! And don't forget to bring your quilt for drop off once you're ready!

You can bring your own batting or I can sell you batting. The brand or type of batting you choose is completely up to you, but please keep in mind the batting requirements. For your quilt backing, it should be 8" larger in all dimensions than your quilt top. The neater your batting is, the easier it will be for me to quilt. If I have to steam or iron your batting, please note that there will be an extra fee. Also, the backing calculator will work for your batting as well. Make sure to adhere to these guidelines when you drop off your quilt.

You can drop off your quilt top, batting, and quilt backing at Cotton Candy Quilt and Sewing or at my home (message me for my address). If you’re not local, you can also ship your items to me. When shipping, please ensure that you meet the batting requirements by placing your items in a clear bag, then putting that bag inside a shipping box. This extra layer of protection is important, as sometimes the boxes can arrive partially opened. If you’re dropping your quilts off on my porch or at the store, please label the outside of your package with your name, my name, and your cell number. To drop off at my home, just email or text me for my address.