Prepping Your Quilt

Thank you for choosing Cottage Quilting for your long arm quilting! Properly preparing your quilt ensures you’ll be completely satisfied with the finished result. Follow these simple tips before dropping off your quilt.

Please note: You do not need to baste or pin your quilt together — provide each layer separately.

Preparing Your Quilt Top

  • Clip any loose threads from the underside and along the sides.
  • If your fabric feels stretchy, sew a 1/8" seam all the way around your quilt top to prevent further stretching.
  • Square your quilt top as best you can — maximum size of 120" on either side (length does not matter). This ensures easier loading onto the quilt frame.
  • Wavy borders: A common issue with long arm quilting. We do our best to work around wavy borders to avoid puckers, but if we feel the ideal result cannot be achieved, we’ll call you right away. To prevent wavy borders, follow the tips in this guide.
  • Press your top and bring it on a hanger to eliminate wrinkles (preferred but not mandatory). Additional charges may apply if pressing is required.

Preparing Your Batting

  • Ensure your batting is the same size as your backing (see below).
  • We carry a variety of batting in store, including:
    • Hobbs 80/20 — 96" wide
    • Hobbs 100% Cotton — 96" or 120" wide
    • Hobbs 80/20 Fusible Batting — 96" wide
    • Hobbs Polyester — 45" wide
    • Hobbs Wool Batting — 108" wide

Preparing Your Backing

  • Wide backing options available in store: 40", 60", 80", or 90" wide (some piecing may be required).
  • Extra-wide backing also available: 108"–118" wide, with a variety of choices in store.
  • If piecing your own backing:
    • Your backing must be a minimum of 6"–8" larger than your quilt top (3"–4" extra on all sides).
    • Tip: Use a 5/8" seam and press open. Do not leave selvages in your backing.
  • Square your backing as best you can — maximum size of 125" on either side for easier loading onto the frame.
  • Press your backing and bring it on a hanger to eliminate wrinkles (preferred but not mandatory). Additional charges may apply if pressing is required.